When Sandy decreased her savings by 75% and Gene increased hers by 40%, they would save $280 each. What were their total savings at first?

100%-75%:$280

or
25%:280
100%:?
Cross multiply
Original saving=100%*$280/25%=$1120

Similarly for Gene,
100%+40% : $280
or
140% : 280
100% : ?
Cross multiply
Original for Gene = 100%*$280/140=$200