A schools enrollment increased to 598 students. This is an increase of 4% from last year. What was last years enrollment?

Question

We have the right answer but I think we got it by luck, please explain how an 8th grader should solve this problem,

Answer 1

x represents last years enrollment

4% = 0.04

 

x + 0.04x = 598

1.04x = 598         combine

x = 575                divide both sides by 1.04