The science department orders a new telescope and pays $253.87 after tax. The tax rate is 6% . What was the original price of the telescope

The price after tax is £253.87 so to find the original price you have to deduct 6% but first you need to find 6%.

Easiest way to find 6% is by finding 10% or 2% or 1% / whatever you find easiest. For me it would be 1%

If you find 1 % you would then multiple it by 6 to give you 6%

10% is £25.38 (move the decimals 1 unit)
1% is £2.54 (move decimals 2 units)
Always round up

£2.54 X 6 = £15.24

£253.87 - £15.24 = £238.63