1. **State the problem:** A magician can now hold his breath for 41 seconds, which is 0% more than when he first tried. We need to find how long he could hold his breath originally. 2. **Understand the percent change formula:** Percent change = $$\frac{\text{New amount} - \text{Original amount}}{\text{Original amount}} \times 100\%$$ 3. **Given:** Percent change = 0% and New amount = 41 seconds. 4. **Set up the equation:** $$0 = \frac{41 - \text{Original}}{\text{Original}} \times 100$$ 5. **Solve for Original:** Divide both sides by 100: $$0 = \frac{41 - \text{Original}}{\text{Original}}$$ Multiply both sides by Original: $$0 = 41 - \text{Original}$$ Add Original to both sides: $$\text{Original} = 41$$ 6. **Interpretation:** Since the percent change is 0%, the original amount is the same as the new amount. **Final answer:** The magician could hold his breath for **41 seconds** when he first tried.