3. Solving Word Problems

A community center paid $\$432$ in simple interest after $3$ years on borrowed funds for new equipment. The interest rate was $4.5\%$ per year. What was the original amount borrowed?

A square garden has sides of $8\mathrm{ft}$. The gardener reduces each side by $1\mathrm{ft}$ to make space for a pathway. What is the percent decrease in the perimeter of the garden?

Carson bought some new sneaker on sale for $\$250$. The sale price was $65\%$ of the original price. What was the original price?

If sales tax on a \$36 pair of shoes is \$1.26, find the sales tax on a $\$250$ pair of shoes.

The student council borrowed $\$1,275$ from a local sponsor to organize a school event. The sponsor charges $6.5\%$ simple interest per year. How much interest will the student council owe after a year?

A $10$-year government bond paid $5.8\%$ simple interest per year. Over the $10$ years, the bond earned $\$4,640$ in interest. What was the principal of the bond?

Last season, a farmer harvested $500\mathrm{kg}$ of rice. Due to improved techniques, the harvest is estimated to increase by $20\%$ this season. How much rice is the farmer looking to harvest this season?

A patient was prescribed a medication dose. It was increased by $15\%$ after $3$ days, and the new dosage is $23\mathrm{cc}$. What was the original dosage?

In a city, the water company increased the monthly water bill by $8\%$. The initial monthly cost is $\$54$. What is the cost after the increase?

Saphia's lunch bill was $\$17.65$. She wants to leave an $18\%$ tip. How much should the tip be?

A city's population grew from $120,000$ to $138,000$ people in one year. What is the percent increase in population?

A reservoir's water level decreased by $20\%$ over the summer due to evaporation. If the water level is currently at $120$ million liters, how much water was there initially?

Sofia plans to buy a car. Her loan statement indicates she will pay $\$1,350$ in interest for a $3$-year loan at $9\%$ simple interest per year. How much did Sofia borrow for the car?

A smartphone originally costs \$800. It is on sale for \$680. Calculate the percent discount.

A pair of running shoes costs $\$80$. The store is offering a $25\%$ discount. Calculate the amount of discount and the sale price of the shoes.