Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to determine the original number, from which 20% was subtracted to yield 12975.

Let's denote the original number by [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

1. According to the problem, after subtracting 20% of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] from [tex]\( x \)[/tex], the result is 12975:
[tex]\[ x - 0.2x = 12975 \][/tex]

2. Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 0.8x = 12975 \][/tex]

3. To find [tex]\( x \)[/tex], divide both sides of the equation by 0.8:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{12975}{0.8} \][/tex]

4. Calculate the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x = 16218.75 \][/tex]

Therefore, the original number was 16218.75.