Hi Carol,

Think about the process going forward. You see a computer and notice its original price. Then you have to add 20% to this to get the price including the VAT. Finally you discount this price by 30% and reach the purchase price of £330. Now write this process mathematically.

Suppose the original price is £x. The price including VAT is $£x + 0.2 \times £x = 1.2 \times £x.$ You get to discount this price by 30% so you only need to pay 100% - 30% = 70%. Thus what you pay is $0.70 \times 1.2 \times £x.$ this amount is £330. Solve for x.

Once you know the original price check you answer by going forward. Add 20% and apply a 30% discount to ensure you get £330.

Penny