We know that the sale price is $96 which is 80% (because 100% - 20% = 80%) of x, so we can write it down as:
96 = 80% from x
96 = 80/100 * x
96 = 8/10x
96 = 4/5x / * 5 (both sides)
480 = 4x / ÷ 4 (both sides)
x = 120
Doublecheck:
120 * 80% =
= 120 * 80/100 =
= 120 * 4/5 =
= 480/5 =
= 96
So it's correct ;)
Answer: The original price was $120.