A commodity is priced at 40% higher than the cost, and then sold at a 20% discount. As a result, it earns 36 yuan. How much is the cost of this commodity?

A commodity is priced at 40% higher than the cost, and then sold at a 20% discount. As a result, it earns 36 yuan. How much is the cost of this commodity?

(1 + 40%) × 80%, = 1.4 × 80%, = 112%; 36 ^ (112% - 1), = 36 ^ 0.12, = 300 yuan; answer: the cost price of this commodity is 300 yuan