An accountant earns $3180 per month after receiving a 8.5% raise. What was the accountant's monthly income before the raise? Round your answer to the nearest cent.

Question

An accountant earns $3180 per month after receiving a 8.5% raise. What was the accountant's monthly income before the raise? Round your answer to the nearest cent. 
What i thought you did was 3180*8.5%=270.3 
3180-270.30=2909.70, but it says its not correct. Any ideas on how to do this

Ms. Sue · Answer

Let x = the income before the raise. The accountant is making 1.085 more now. 1.085x = 3180 x = 2930.88

Chelsea · Answer

I understand how to set it up I just don't understand why its 1.085. I thought it was just .085. why is the 1 there?

Ms. Sue · Answer

The 1 is 100%. The accountant is making 100% of his previous salary plus 8.5% more. 100% + 8.5% = 108.5% = 1.085

Kayla · Answer

Oh Okay now i understand why the 1 is there! Thank you so much!!!

Ms. Sue · Answer

You're very welcome, Chelsea/Kayla.