Answer :

Answer:

Mary's initial investment was $2500

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Translate the problem into an equation

Mary lost 20% of her investment, so she has 100% (original) - 20% (loss) = 80% remaining.

This remaining 80% is equal to $2000.

Therefore, we can express this as:

0.8 * I = $2000

Step 2: Solve for the initial investment (I)

To find the original investment (I), we need to isolate I on one side of the equation. We can do this by dividing both sides by 0.8.

I = ($2000) / 0.8

Step 3: Calculate the result

I = $2500.00

Answer: Mary's initial investment was $2500.00.