If the total payroll expense of a certain business in year Y was $84,0

Question

If the total payroll expense of a certain business in year Y was $84,000, which was 20 percent more than in year X, what was the total payroll expense in year X ?

(A) $70,000

(B) $68,320

(C) $64,000

(D) $60,000

(E) $52,320

sashiim20 · Accepted Answer

Let total payroll expense in year X be X. Total payroll expense in year Y was $84000, that is ; 20% more than year X = 120% of X 120% of X = $84000 \frac{120}{100} * X = 84000 X = \frac{84000 * 100}{120} = $70,000 Answer A... _________________ Kindly press "+1 Kudos" to appreciate

BrentGMATPrepNow · Answer

We can solve this question algebraically or by testing the answer choices.

Algebraic solution  
Let x = the expenses in year X
So we can write: 1.2x = 84,000
Solve: x = 84,000/1.2 = 70,000
Answer: A

testing the answer choices  
(A) $70,000 
1.2(70,000) = 84,000
Done!
Answer: A

Kritesh · Answer

In the question it is stated that , 1.2x = 84000 . Therefore x = 84000/(1.2) = 70000. Hence option A is the answer .

Mkrishnabdrr · Answer

Payroll expenses of year x= 84000/1.2
=70,000
Hence, ans=A

101mba101 · Answer

So I know the OA is A. $70,000. But I am getting $67,200.

Method I followed was:

20% of 84000 = 16800

84000+16800 = 67200

Where am I going wrong?

Tulkin987 · Answer

In year  X  TPE was  x .
In year  Y  it was  20 % more  (1.2x)  and equaled  84000 .

So,  1.2x=84000 
 x=70000 .

Answer: A

101mba101 · Answer

Thank you very much! I understood my mistake.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Letting p = the payroll expense in year X, we have:

1.2p = 84,000

p = 70,000

Answer: A

ArnauG · Answer

Let's denote the total payroll expense in year X as P.

Given that the total payroll expense in year Y was 20% more than in year X, we can write the equation:

P + 0.20P = $84,000

Combining like terms:

1.20P = $84,000

Dividing both sides by 1.20:

P = $84,000 / 1.20 = $70,000

Therefore, the total payroll expense in year X was $70,000, which corresponds to option (A).

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If the total payroll expense of a certain business in year Y was $84,0

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If the total payroll expense of a certain business in year Y was $84,0

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