SOLUTION: $42,074 is 9% increase over last year's salary, what was last year's salary? I am having a hard time understanding this I don't know where to start.

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: $42,074 is 9% increase over last year's salary, what was last year's salary? I am having a hard time understanding this I don't know where to start.      Log On


   

Question 226543: $42,074 is 9% increase over last year's salary, what was last year's salary? I am having a hard time understanding this I don't know where to start.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
so $42,074 is 109% of last year's salary

1.09 x = 42074

dividing by 1.09 ___ x = 38600