document.write( "Question 661022: Groupon is offering a weight-loss program for $58.50. They says this represents a 55% discount. What was the original value of the weight-loss program? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #411447 by colliefan(242) ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! For all percentage problems, remember that the basic equation or formula is that the percentage is a ratio of some “part” divided by some “whole” or standard amount. That doesn't seem precise, but I think that language is helpful for all percentage problems. By part and whole, I mean that there will always be a number that is to be compared to another. \r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The basic formula or equation is always: Percentage = part/whole\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "In percentage problems, you are given 2 of the following 3 items: \n" ); document.write( "the percentage \n" ); document.write( "the part \n" ); document.write( "the whole\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Write the basic equation, substitute in what you know, and solve for what remains unknown.\r \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "In this case, the question is whether the $58.50 is the part or the whole. It is an amount that has already been discounted and so it is part of the whole which was the original price.\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "You know the percentage and the part, we need to find the whole amount.\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "pct=part/whole \n" ); document.write( "55%=58.50/w \n" ); document.write( "w*55%=w*58.50/w \n" ); document.write( "w*55%=w*1/w*58.50 \n" ); document.write( "w*55%=1*58.50 \n" ); document.write( "w*55%=58.50 \n" ); document.write( "w*55%*1/55%=58.50*1/55% \n" ); document.write( "w*1=58.50*1/55% \n" ); document.write( "w=$106.36\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "When you do your calculations, remember 55%=.55 \n" ); document.write( " |