you set up a cross multiplication where
38.50 x
------- --------
55 100
38.50 is a fraction of 55, x is a fraction of 100 and these are proportional. to find x you multiply 38.50 by 100 and divide by 55. so:
38.50*100=3,850
3,850/55=70
we get 70
HOWEVER, 70 is not the answer. It just means that 38.50 is 70% of 55. she paid 70% out of 100%, the difference is 30%.
the answer is that the employee discount is of 30%
