If the total enrollment is 12 percent greater

If the total enrollment is 12 percent greater than it was five years ago, what was the total enrollment five years ago? 1,180; 1,192; 1,220; 1,232; 1,250

3 Explanations

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Kalina Gajda

Why can't you do .88* 1400=1232?

Apr 16, 2019 • Comment

Adam Lyons, Magoosh Tutor

Hey Kalina,
This is a common trap. 1232 is 12% less than 1400. But 1400 is 13.6% greater than 1232. So you always have to be careful to find exactly what the question is asking. The proper calculation here is 1400/1.12, which is not the same as 1400*0.88.
Hope that helps!

Apr 17, 2019 • Reply

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Timothy Lauter

I find it a bit faster and easier to solve something like this algebraically.

x(1.12) = 1400
x = 1400/1.12
x = 1250

Apr 8, 2019 • Comment

Adam Lyons, Magoosh Tutor

Indeed, that's a fine method that leads to the correct answer. Which one is faster or easier will depend on your own preferences. If you're good at doing math in your head using the answer choices will probably be quicker. But if you work algebraically, you can get a quick answer as well. Either method works!

Apr 17, 2019 • Reply

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Chris Lele, Magoosh Tutor