Kimberly had some money. She spent 20% on books and 40% of her remaining money on a dress. She had $36 left.

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

(a)
Percent of Kimberly's amount left after she spent on books
= 100% - 20%
= 80%

Percent of Kimberly's remaining amount left after she spent on the dress
= 100% - 40%
= 60%

Fraction of Kimberly's amount left
= 60% x 80% 
= ⁶⁰₁₀₀ x ⁸⁰₁₀₀
= ¹²₂₅

Total amount that Kimberly had = 25 u
Amount that Kimberly had left = 12 u

12 u = 36

1 u = 36 ÷ 12 = 3

Amount that Kimberly had at first
= 25 u
= 25 x 3
= $75

(b)
Fraction of Kimberly's amount spent on the dress
= 40% x 80% 
= ⁴⁰₁₀₀ x ⁸⁰₁₀₀ 
= ⁸₂₅

Amount that Kimberly spent on the dress
= 8 u
= 8 x 3
= $24

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

75% of the price of the dress = 24
1% of the price of the dress = 24 ÷ 75 = 0.32
100% of the price of the dress = 100 x 0.32 = 32

Original price of the dress = $32

Answer(s): (a) $75; (b) $32