An easy question on percentages and mixtures for P5, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. Common in the Hua Xia Cup's P6 first round and finals: discounts, a rise followed by a fall, and mixtures.
The question
A sports shop is having a sale.
A pair of trainers, marked at $500, is now 15% off: it sells for 85% of the original price.
How much do the trainers cost now?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: 85% means: think of the original price as 100 parts, and pay only 85 of them.
💡Hint 2: 85% of the price = price × 85 ÷ 100.
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.Call the original price 100%. 15% off means paying 85% of it; 15% comes off.
2.85% of $500: $500 × 85 ÷ 100 = $425.
⚠️Common mistake: taking 85% off and answering $75. You pay 85%; only 15% is taken off.
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