Change the 6% to 0.06 and divide:$1,110 0 : 06 ¼$18,500. Hence, the price
of the automobile was $18,500.
Another type of percent problem you will often see is the percent increase
or percent decrease problem. In this situation, always remember that theold
ororiginalnumber is used as the base.
EXAMPLE
A coat that originally cost $150 was reduced to $120. What was the percent
of the reduction?
SOLUTION
Find the amount of reduction: $150$120¼$30. Then place $30 in the
‘‘part’’ section and $150 in the ‘‘base’’ section of the circle. $150 is the base
since it was theoriginalprice (see Fig. 6-16).
Divide 15030 ¼ 30 150 ¼ 0 :20. Hence, the cost was reduced 20%.
PRACTICE
- A person bought an item at a 15% off sale. The discount was $90.
What was the regular price?
CHAPTER 6 Percent 121
Fig. 6-15.Fig. 6-16.