At a middle school, 20% of the students are in the band. If 168 students are in the band, how many students go to the middle school? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. Let X be the number of students in the middle school. We know that X * 20% = 168 students are in the band. So there are X = 168 / 20% = 840 students in the middle school.. The answer is: 840.

Macy's is selling shirts that have been reduced to $6. This price is at 25% of the original price. What was the original price? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. The original price is x. The discount is 100% - 25% remaining = 75% discount. The discount is 75%, so the original price is x - .75x = .25x. The sale price is $6, so $6 = .25x, which is the same as 6 / .25 = x. X = $24.. The answer is: 24.

At the feline sanctuary, there were 12 lions, 14 tigers, and several cougars. If there were half as many cougars as lions and tigers combined, then what was the total number of big cats at the feline sanctuary? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. Half as many cougars as lions and tigers combined is (12 + 14) / 2 = 13. Then the total number of big cats at the feline sanctuary is 12 + 14 + 13 = 39.. The answer is: 39.