Use Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Use the five-step strategy for solving word problems to find the number or numbers described in the following
exercise.
-When a number is decreased by 20% of itself, the result is 144. What is the number?
A)180
B)11
C)900
D)36

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the number be x. Decreasing x by 20% of itself means subtracting 20% of x from x, which can be written as x - 0.20x = 144. Simplifying, 0.80x = 144. Solving for x gives x = 144 / 0.80 = 180.