We know that the sale price is $48 which is 60% (because 100% - 40% = 60%) of x, so we can write it down as:
48 = 60% from x
48 = 60/100 * x
48 = 6/10x
48 = 3/5x / * 5 (both sides)
240 = 3x / ÷ 3 (both sides)
x = 80
Doublecheck:
80 * 60% =
= 80 * 60/100 =
= 80 * 3/5 =
= 240/5 =
= 48
So it's correct ;)
Answer: The original price was $80.