Question

question 16 (5 points)
a students computer system can be purchased for $1800. this is 60% of the cost 4 years ago. what was the cost of the computer system 4 years ago? use the proportion method. show your work. need help showing your work? watch the show your work tutorial.

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables and proportion

Let \( x \) be the cost 4 years ago. We know that \( \$1800 \) is 60% of \( x \), so we set up the proportion \(\frac{1800}{x}=\frac{60}{100}\).

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us \( 60x = 1800\times100 \).

Step3: Solve for \( x \)

First, calculate \( 1800\times100 = 180000 \). Then, divide both sides of the equation \( 60x = 180000 \) by 60: \( x=\frac{180000}{60}=3000 \).

Answer:

The cost of the computer system 4 years ago was \(\$3000\).