From: Charlie, a student

What is the correct formula for finding the answer for the following question?

Selling a piece of furniture for $670 and the profit is 35%. What is the original cost?

Hi Charlie.

The selling price equals the original cost plus the profit. Let's show this with variables:

You also know that the profit it 35% of the cost. That means:

P = 35%C

Now you can substitute this expression for P into the first equation:

S = C + (35%C)

You know S = $670, so now you just need to solve the equation for C. I'm pretty sure you can handle it from here, Charlie.

Stephen La Rocque. >