Question

determine the input
a number went into this machine and 0 came out.
what number went in?
input box
try it button
image: a machine with decrease by 25% label

Explanation:

Step1: Define the problem

Let the input number be \( x \). Decreasing \( x \) by 25% means we take \( x - 0.25x = 0.75x \), and this result is 0? Wait, no, maybe there's a typo. Wait, maybe the output is 0? Wait, if we decrease a number by 25% and get 0, then \( 0.75x = 0 \), so \( x = 0 \). But maybe the output is a different number? Wait, the text says "0 me out" – maybe it's a typo, like "0 came out"? Let's assume the output is 0. Then:

Step2: Set up the equation

If the machine decreases the input by 25%, the output is \( x - 0.25x = 0.75x \). We know the output is 0, so:
\( 0.75x = 0 \)

Step3: Solve for \( x \)

Divide both sides by 0.75: \( x = \frac{0}{0.75} = 0 \)

Wait, but maybe the output was supposed to be a different number? Wait, maybe the original problem had a different output, like "0" is a typo. Wait, maybe the output is 0, so the input is 0. Alternatively, if the output was, say, 6 (a common problem), but here it's 0. Let's check again. The machine says "Decrease by 25%", so output = input (1 - 0.25) = input 0.75. If output is 0, then input is 0.

Answer:

0