Question

show what you know
a number went into this machine and 36 came out.
what number went in?
input box
submit button
image: a machine with decrease by 25% label, a ? box on the left, and a 36 box on the right

Explanation:

Step1: Define the input number

Let the number that went into the machine be \( x \).

Step2: Apply the percentage decrease

Decreasing a number by 25% means the output is \( (1 - 0.25)x = 0.75x \). We know the output is 36, so we set up the equation \( 0.75x = 36 \).

Step3: Solve for \( x \)

To find \( x \), we divide both sides of the equation by 0.75: \( x=\frac{36}{0.75} \). Calculating this, \( \frac{36}{0.75} = 48 \).

Answer:

48