Word problem driving me crazy.

[totochaos]

I have this word problem driving me crazy. I think the error is that I don't understand how to set the equation up properly. The problem is as follows:

By lowering the temperature of their electric hot water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, the Kelly's average electric bill dropped by 7% to $60.45.
What was their electric bill before they lowered the temperature of their hot water heater?

I set this up as:
x - 0.07 = 60.45 subtracted 0.07 from both sides which left:
x = 60.52 And I know that's not right.

Please help.

 

[Mrspi]

I have this word problem driving me crazy. I think the error is that I don't understand how to set the equation up properly. The problem is as follows:

By lowering the temperature of their electric hot water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, the Kelly's average electric bill dropped by 7% to $60.45.
What was their electric bill before they lowered the temperature of their hot water heater?

I set this up as:
x - 0.07 = 60.45 subtracted 0.07 from both sides which left:
x = 60.52 And I know that's not right.

Please help.

You were kind of close.

If x is their original bill, then 7% of x would be 0.07x

If the bill is lowered by 7%, then the NEW bill would be x - 0.07x

We know the new bill is $60.45....so.......

x - 0.07x = 60.45

See what you can do with that.

 

[totochaos]

That's exactly what I needed. Thank You!!!!!!