16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardOriginal value before two percent changes

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A number is increased by 20 percent, and the result is then decreased by 25 percent, giving 90. What was the original number?

Answer: 100

1.20 × 0.75 = 0.90, so 0.90x = 90 and x = 100.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 90
90 assumes the changes cancel.
If you answered 95
95 adds 5 percent, the difference of the percents.
If you answered 120
120 applies only the increase.

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