Calculating discounts is a useful skill, especially for shopping or budget planning. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out discounts on any purchase.
Step 1: Convert the Percentage to a Decimal
To start, take the discount percentage and convert it to a decimal. You can do this by dividing the percentage by 100. For example, a 20% discount becomes 0.20.
Step 2: Multiply by the Original Price
Now, take the original price and multiply it by the decimal from Step 1. This gives you the amount of the discount. For example, if an item costs $100 and you have a 20% discount, multiply:
100×0.20=20100 \times 0.20 = 20
So, $20 is the discount amount.
Step 3: Subtract the Discount from the Original Price
Finally, subtract the discount amount from the original price to get the final price. In the example:
100−20=80100 – 20 = 80
This means the final price after a 20% discount on $100 is $80.
Quick Examples
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Find 15% off $50:
- Convert 15% to a decimal: 15÷100=0.1515 \div 100 = 0.15
- Multiply by $50: 50×0.15=7.50
- Subtract from $50: 50−7.50=42.50
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Calculate 30% off $200:
- Convert 30% to a decimal: 30÷100=0.30
- Multiply by $200: 200×0.30=60
- Subtract from $200: 200−60=140
Common Discount Terms
- Percentage off: How much is reduced from the original price (e.g., 20% off).
- Discount Amount: The dollar amount you save (e.g., $20 on a $100 item).
- Final Price: What you pay after the discount is applied.
Mastering discount calculations can save you money on shopping trips and help you manage finances better! Try using our discount calculator the next time you’re shopping or planning a budget.
