Carcass wrote:
If the total payroll expense of a certain business in year Y was $84,000, which was 20 percent more than in year X, what was the total payroll expense in year X ?
(A) $70,000
(B) $68,320
(C) $64,000
(D) $60,000
(E) $52,320
We can solve this question algebraically or by testing the answer choices.
Algebraic solutionLet x = the expenses in year X
So we can write: 1.2x = 84,000
Solve: x = 84,000/1.2 = 70,000
Answer: A
testing the answer choices(A) $70,000
1.2(70,000) = 84,000
Done!
Answer: A