Question

at another sanctuary, the number of nesting turtles decreased by 10%. this year there were 234 nesting turtles. how many nesting turtles were at this sanctuary last year?

Explanation:

Step1: Define current year's proportion

Let last year's number be $x$. A 10% decrease means this year's number is $90\%$ of $x$, or $0.9x$.

Step2: Set up equation and solve

We know this year's number is 234, so:
$$0.9x = 234$$
$$x = \frac{234}{0.9}$$

Step3: Calculate the value

$$x = 260$$

Answer:

260