Cracking the Code: How to Determine the Original Price Before Discounts

What mathematical operation is necessary to find the total number of coats before the sale based on the given discount?

• A. Division
• B. Subtraction
• C. Addition
• D. Multiplication

Answer: (A)

To determine the total number of coats before the sale using the discount information, division is the appropriate mathematical operation. This process involves taking the discounted price or the number of coats sold and dividing it by the percentage that represents the remaining portion after the discount. For example, if you know the number of coats sold after a discount has been applied and the discount percentage, you can calculate the original total by dividing the number of coats sold by the fraction of the price that remains post-discount. This helps to reverse-engineer the sale information back to the original total amount before the discount was taken into account. In contrast, subtraction would typically be used when calculating the amount deducted from the original price, addition might apply if you were combining quantities, and multiplication could be involved in situations where you are scaling a price or quantity. However, in this context, division is precisely what allows you to trace back to the total prior to any discounts.

Ever found yourself staring at a sale sign wondering just how much you're saving? It can feel like a bit of a puzzle, can't it? When it comes to understanding discounts—especially for those prepping for nursing entrance exams like the Kaplan—it’s not just about the flashy percentage off; it’s also about the math behind those savings. Let’s break it down and explore how to find that elusive original price before your favorite coats went on sale.

Here’s the thing: to find the total number of coats before the sale based on the given discount, you need to engage in a little bit of division. Yes, you heard that right! Division is the key player here. Imagine you know how many coats were sold after they’ve been discounted and the percentage off the original price. What do you do next? You divide the number of coats sold by the remaining percentage after the discount. Sounds simple enough, right?

Picture this: you’ve got a beautiful coat that originally costs $100, and it’s now marked down to $70. That’s a 30% discount, which means you’re paying 70% of the original value. If you sold 35 coats at that discounted price, how do you find out how many coats were there before the sale? Well, you divide the number of coats sold—35—by 0.7 (which is the decimal form of 70%). This clever little move gives you the total number of coats before the discount was applied. How satisfying is that?

Now, let’s chat about why division is your go-to method here. When faced with a discount, folks often reach for subtraction, thinking it’s the best route to take. But that’s more suited for determining how much you save from the original price. Inquiring minds might create confusion over using addition or multiplication—like when you’re combining quantities or scaling prices—yet in this scenario, it’s division that takes the gold. This operation sets the stage for understanding how discounts affect total prices.

But why stop there? Think about this for a moment: every time we face a sale, we’re not just navigating numbers but also emotions. We may feel that rush of excitement when snagging a good deal, coupled with a whisper of fear about spending too much. It’s a balancing act. Your nursing entrance exam, like retail, requires you to weigh your options carefully, using math skills to ensure you make the smartest choices. After all, staying sharp factor keeps you engaged in the world around you—whether you’re sifting through sales racks or managing patient care costs in the future.

In the end, mastering this concept isn’t just a numerical exercise; it’s an essential skill for your time in nursing school and beyond. You want to make sure you're not just lifting numbers off pages but understanding their implications for real-life scenarios. So the next time you see a "Sale" sign, you'll know to flex that division muscle—no sweat required!

Understanding how to navigate these calculations can help you stand out when the chips are down. Ready to tackle that exam fearlessly, knowing you can break down challenges like a champ? You got this! The math behind discounts may seem trivial, but it lays the groundwork for more complex problem-solving that’s critical in your future nursing career. You've got the tools!