Julie had some money. She spent 25% on food and 10% of her remaining money on a dress. She had $243 left.

1. How much did she have at first?
2. If the dress was bought at a 40% discount, what was the original price of the dress?

(a)
Percent of Julie's amount left after she spent on food
= 100% - 25%
= 75%

Percent of Julie's remaining amount left after she spent on the dress
= 100% - 10%
= 90%

Fraction of Julie's amount left
= 90% x 75% 
= ⁹⁰₁₀₀ x ⁷⁵₁₀₀
= ²⁷₄₀

Total amount that Julie had = 40 u
Amount that Julie had left = 27 u

27 u = 243

1 u = 243 ÷ 27 = 9

Amount that Julie had at first
= 40 u
= 40 x 9
= $360

(b)
Fraction of Julie's amount spent on the dress
= 10% x 75% 
= ¹⁰₁₀₀ x ⁷⁵₁₀₀ 
= ³₄₀

Amount that Julie spent on the dress
= 3 u
= 3 x 9
= $27

Discounted price of the dress in percent
= 100% - 40%
= 60%

60% of the price of the dress = 27
1% of the price of the dress = 27 ÷ 60 = 0.45
100% of the price of the dress = 100 x 0.45 = 45

Original price of the dress = $45

Answer(s): (a) $360; (b) $45