Expert: Steve Holleran - 8/13/2007

Question
I would like to know how to calculate this:
O (representing  Original Amount) X 20.5% = 3271.58
How do I find the original amount? I know that the final number is 3271.58, but want to know the original amount. And I know that the original amount is less than the final amount. Please Help.

Answer
Hi Abe,

Okay, we have:

                       O * 20.5% = 3271.58

First convert the percent to a decimal:

                       O * 0.205 = 3271.58

Now divide by 0.205:

                       O = 3271.58 / 0.205 = 15,958.93

Notice that this original amount is MORE than the final amount, which has to be the case, since the equation states that 3271.58 is only 20.5% of the original.

Steve Holleran