Cole is buying a pair of water skis that are on sale for 23 of the original price. After he uses a $25 gift card, the total cost before taxes is $115. What was the original price of the skis?



Solution
Let p= the original price of the skis. Let’s break down the words of this problem to help us write the equation:

Two thirds of the original price minus $25 gift card is $115 total
23 ⋅ p − 25 =115
So, our equation is:

23p−25=115

To solve, we first need to isolate the variable term by adding
to each side.

23p−25+25=115+25

23p=

To isolate the variable p, we need to get rid of the 23. Remember, to get rid of a fraction, we just multiply by the reciprocal, 32.

32⋅23p=140⋅32

Now, we simplify.

p=1401⋅32

p=4202=
210

The original price of the skis was $
.