Dan, answers to your examples are as under:

1. This years sales are $3700, a decrease of 11.6%. Last years
sales would be $4185.52.

Formula : =3700/(100%-11.60%)

2.This years sales are $4500, an increase of 151%. Last years
sales would be $2980.13

Formula : 4500/151%

Thanks,

Manish Bajpai




" wrote:

Hello -
My algebra days seem to be a little hazy today. Could someone please
assist on the basic calculation to find the original number.

example 1:
This years sales are $3700, a decrease of 11.6%. What would last years
sales be?

example 2:
This years sales are $4500, an increase of 151%. What would last years
sales be?

Thanks for any insight on this calculation.
Dan