SOLUTION: An instrument store gives a 10% discount to all students off the original cost of an instrument. During a back to school sale an additional 15% is taken off the discounted price. J

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Question 393170: An instrument store gives a 10% discount to all students off the original cost of an instrument. During a back to school sale an additional 15% is taken off the discounted price. Julie, a student at the local high school, purchases a flute for $306. how much did it originally cost? plesase break the problem down
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

10% discount with an additional 15% is taken off the discounted price

Let x reprsent the original price

 Note: 10% off is the same as paying 90% of original price

       15% off is the same as paying 85% ...

Question states

  .85(.90x)= $306

         x = $306/(.85*.90) = $400



CHECKING our answer

 .90*$400 = $360

 .85*$360 = $306



Note: expanding on basic concepts such as 'double discounts' is typical of

the type of questions one may see in the math portion of a college entrance exam