1.

The value of a professional basketball player's autograph rose 40% in the last year. It is now worth $364.00. What was it worth a year ago?

Let x represent the worth of the professional basketball player's autograph a year ago. Since his autograph's worth increased by 40% now, $364 is 1.40x.

364 = 1.40x

Solving for x gives x = 260.

Thus, the autograph of the basketball player was worth only $260 last year.