Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

What is the first step to take when solving for the original price after a sale?

1. Calculate the sale price

2. Divide the sale price by the percentage off

3. Set up the equation sale price = % x original

4. Use the discount formula

The correct answer is: Set up the equation sale price = % x original

To find the original price after a sale, setting up the equation that relates the sale price to the original price is crucial. Using the equation "sale price = percentage x original price" allows you to express the relationship between the final price after applying the discount and the original price before the discount. Typically, in such a scenario, you first determine the percentage of the original price that remains after the discount is applied. For example, if an item is sold at 20% off, then you would actually be paying 80% of the original price. By establishing this equation, it's clear how to manipulate the elements of the equation to isolate and solve for the original price. This foundational step is essential because it provides a structured approach to find the original price rather than jumping straight to calculations without context, which can lead to confusion or errors. By setting up the equation correctly, you gain clarity on how the sale price relates to the percentage of the original price, thus facilitating the correct calculation thereafter.