Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a reverse percentage problem. We are given the final value after a percentage increase (the current enrollment) and asked to find the original value (the enrollment five years ago).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Let \(E_0\) be the enrollment five years ago (the original value). The current enrollment, \(E_c\), is 12% greater. The relationship can be expressed with the formula:
\[ E_c = E_0 + (0.12 \times E_0) = E_0 \times (1 + 0.12) = 1.12 \times E_0 \]
To find the original enrollment, we rearrange the formula: \(E_0 = E_c / 1.12\).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Identify the given values.
- The current enrollment, \(E_c\), is 1,400 (from the information provided for the data interpretation questions).
- The percentage increase is 12%, or 0.12.
2. Set up the equation.
- Using the formula, we have: \(1400 = 1.12 \times E_0\).
3. Solve for the original enrollment, \(E_0\).
- To isolate \(E_0\), we divide both sides by 1.12.
\[ E_0 = \frac{1400}{1.12} \]
- To make the division easier, remove the decimal by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 100:
\[ E_0 = \frac{140000}{112} \]
- Simplify the fraction. We can see both are divisible by 14: \(112 = 14 \times 8\) and \(140000 = 14 \times 10000\).
\[ E_0 = \frac{10000}{8} \]
- Perform the final division:
\[ E_0 = 1250 \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The total enrollment five years ago was 1,250.