How to calculate discounts

Calculating Discounts: A Guide for 7th and 8th Graders

Introduction

Hey there! Ever wonder how much you'll save when your favorite sneakers go on sale? Or how to figure out the final price of a cool new video game that's 25% off? Understanding discounts is super useful and pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Let's dive in and learn how to calculate discounts!

What is a discount?

A discount is a reduction in the price of a good or service. Stores use discounts to attract customers, and they usually express discounts as a percentage. For example, if an item is 20% off, that means you pay 20% less than the original price.

How to calculate a discount

To calculate the discount amount, follow these simple steps:

• Find the original price: This is the price before any discounts.
• Determine the discount percentage: This is the percentage off the original price.
• Convert the percentage to a decimal: Divide the discount percentage by 100.
• Multiply the original price by the decimal: This gives you the discount amount.
• Subtract the discount amount from the original price: This gives you the final price.

Example 1: Basic Calculation

Imagine you want to buy a t-shirt that costs $20, and it's on sale for 25% off. How much will you pay?

Original Price: $20
Discount Percentage: 25%
Convert to Decimal: 25% ÷ 100 = 0.25
Calculate Discount Amount: $20 × 0.25 = $5
Find Final Price: $20 - $5 = $15

So, you'll pay $15 for the t-shirt!

Example 2: Using a Calculator

Now let's say you want to buy a pair of shoes that costs $50, and they are 30% off. Here’s how to do it quickly with a calculator:

Original Price: $50
Discount Percentage: 30%
Convert to Decimal: 30% ÷ 100 = 0.30
Calculate Discount Amount: $50 × 0.30 = $15
Find Final Price: $50 - $15 = $35

So, the shoes will cost you $35.

Example 3: Mental Math Shortcut

For a quick estimation without a calculator, you can use some mental math tricks. If an item is 10% off, just move the decimal point one place to the left.

Let's try it with a $30 video game at 10% off:

Original Price: $30
10% Discount: Move the decimal one place left: $30 becomes $3
Calculate Discount Amount: $30 - $3 = $27

So, the video game costs $27 after the discount.

Practice problems

Try calculating the discounts for these items:

• A book costs $15 and is 20% off. What's the final price?
• A backpack costs $40 and is 15% off. How much will you pay?
• A skateboard costs $60 and is 50% off. What's the new price?

Tips for shopping smart

• Always check the original price before calculating the discount.
• Compare prices at different stores to make sure you're getting the best deal.
• Double-check your math to avoid mistakes and surprises at the checkout.

Conclusion

Calculating discounts is a handy skill that helps you save money and make smart shopping decisions. With a little practice, you can easily figure out how much you're saving on sales and special offers. Happy shopping, and keep practicing your math skills!