Question 315562
Let x = original price


Since "Christine bought a handbag for $53.40 on sale" and "It was marked down 40% off the original price", this means that {{{x-0.40x=53.40}}}. Basically, take 40% of 'x' by multiplying 0.40 and 'x' and subtract that from the original amount 'x' to get the left side. This entire left side is equal to the final price 53.40



{{{x-0.40x=53.40}}} Start with the given equation.



{{{0.60x=53.40}}} Combine like terms.



{{{x=53.40/(0.60)}}} Divide both sides by 0.60 to isolate x.



{{{x=89}}} Divide



So the original price was $89. Now subtract the sale price from the original price to get 89-53.40=35.60, so this means that she saved $35.60



Take note that 40% of 89 is 0.40(89)=35.60 and if you subtract this from 89, you get 89-35.60=53.40 which is the sale price. So our answer is verified.