Marion had some money. She spent 40% on food and 25% of her remaining money on a jacket. She had $81 left.

1. How much did she have at first?
2. If the jacket was bought at a 25% discount, what was the original price of the jacket?

(a)
Percent of Marion's amount left after she spent on food
= 100% - 40%
= 60%

Percent of Marion's remaining amount left after she spent on the jacket
= 100% - 25%
= 75%

Fraction of Marion's amount left
= 75% x 60% 
= ⁷⁵₁₀₀ x ⁶⁰₁₀₀
= ⁹₂₀

Total amount that Marion had = 20 u
Amount that Marion had left = 9 u

9 u = 81

1 u = 81 ÷ 9 = 9

Amount that Marion had at first
= 20 u
= 20 x 9
= $180

(b)
Fraction of Marion's amount spent on the jacket
= 25% x 60% 
= ²⁵₁₀₀ x ⁶⁰₁₀₀ 
= ³₂₀

Amount that Marion spent on the jacket
= 3 u
= 3 x 9
= $27

Discounted price of the jacket in percent
= 100% - 25%
= 75%

75% of the price of the jacket = 27
1% of the price of the jacket = 27 ÷ 75 = 0.36
100% of the price of the jacket = 100 x 0.36 = 36

Original price of the jacket = $36

Answer(s): (a) $180; (b) $36