How to Calculate the Original Price After a Markdown: A Simple Guide

Hey there, students! Let’s tackle a common math problem that you might find in a GED math test: figuring out the original price of an item after a markdown. If you’re keen on sharpening your math skills, stick around. We'll break it down step by step.

What’s This All About?

So, imagine you walk into a store and spot a shirt priced at $20. Sounds like a great deal, right? But wait! This shirt had a markdown of 25%. To find out what the original price was, you need to do a bit of math. No sweat—it’s easier than it sounds!

Setting Up the Problem

Let’s begin with what you know. You’ve got:

• Sale Price: $20
• Markdown Percentage: 25%

Now, let’s denote the original price as P. The key here is recognizing that after a 25% markdown, you’re only paying 75% of the original price. In mathematical terms, you express the sale price like this:

[ ext{Sale Price} = P imes (1 - 0.25) = P imes 0.75 ]

So, we can plug in what we know. Since the sale price is $20, the equation turns into:

[ 0.75P = 20 ]

Time to Solve It

Next, you want to find out what P is (the original price). To do that, divide both sides of the equation by 0.75.

[ P = \frac{20}{0.75} ]

Now, let’s calculate that: [ P = 20 \div 0.75 ]

A Little Calculation Magic

When you divide by 0.75, you’re actually multiplying by its reciprocal, which is ( \frac{100}{75} ). So here’s how the math flows:

[ P = 20 \times \frac{100}{75} ]
[ P = 20 \times \frac{4}{3} ]
[ P = 26.67 ]

And there you have it! The original price of the shirt was $26.67.

But why does this matter? Well, understanding how to work with percentages and basic algebra is super helpful—not just for the GED, but in everyday life!

Real-World Applications

Think about it. Next time you're at a store, and you see a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal, knowing how to calculate prices can save you some cash. Plus, it’s a handy skill to have when you’re budgeting or even when trying to negotiate deals.

A Quick Recap

To recap, whenever you’re faced with markdown problems:

1. Understand that markdown means you're paying less than the original price.
2. Set up your equation based on the discount percentage.
3. Solve for the original price by rearranging the formula.

Keep Practicing!

The more you practice these types of problems, the more comfortable you’ll become in the math section of your GED. Remember, every little bit counts! Try out some similar problems on your own.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you see a sale tag, you can confidently calculate what that shirt really costs. And just like that, you're not just a student; you're a savvy shopper! Need more tips? Keep reaching for those math stars! 💫

Happy studying!