Zenaida Is Shopping And Wants To Purchase A \$320 Stereo System. The Store Is Offering An Incentive Of 10 To 30 Percent Off The System Cost. How Much Will The Discount Be? A. \$32 B. \$64 C. \$256 D. \$288

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 217 views

Understanding Discounts and Percentages

When it comes to shopping, discounts and percentages can be a great way to save money on the items we want to purchase. In this article, we will explore how to calculate discounts and percentages, using a real-life example of Zenaida shopping for a stereo system.

Calculating Discounts and Percentages

To calculate a discount, we need to understand what a percentage is. A percentage is a way to express a value as a fraction of 100. For example, 25% is equal to 25/100, which can be simplified to 1/4.

In the case of Zenaida's stereo system, the store is offering an incentive of 10 to 30 percent off the system cost. This means that the discount will be a percentage of the total cost of the system, which is $320.

Calculating the Discount

To calculate the discount, we need to multiply the total cost of the system by the percentage discount. Let's start with the lowest discount, which is 10%. To calculate 10% of $320, we can multiply $320 by 0.10 (which is equal to 10%).

$320 x 0.10 = $32

So, the discount for 10% off the system cost would be $32.

Calculating the Discount for Higher Percentages

Now, let's calculate the discount for higher percentages. To calculate 20% off the system cost, we can multiply $320 by 0.20 (which is equal to 20%).

$320 x 0.20 = $64

So, the discount for 20% off the system cost would be $64.

Calculating the Discount for the Highest Percentage

Finally, let's calculate the discount for the highest percentage, which is 30%. To calculate 30% off the system cost, we can multiply $320 by 0.30 (which is equal to 30%).

$320 x 0.30 = $96

So, the discount for 30% off the system cost would be $96.

Comparing the Discounts

Now that we have calculated the discounts for each percentage, let's compare them to the options provided.

Option A: $32 (10% discount)
Option B: $64 (20% discount)
Option C: $256 (no discount)
Option D: $288 (no discount)

Based on our calculations, the correct answer is Option A: $32 (10% discount).

Conclusion

In conclusion, calculating discounts and percentages can be a simple process if we understand the basics of fractions and decimals. By multiplying the total cost of an item by the percentage discount, we can determine the amount of the discount. In this article, we used a real-life example of Zenaida shopping for a stereo system to demonstrate how to calculate discounts and percentages.

Understanding Discounts and Percentages: Key Takeaways

A percentage is a way to express a value as a fraction of 100.
To calculate a discount, multiply the total cost of an item by the percentage discount.
The discount will be a percentage of the total cost of the item.
By understanding discounts and percentages, we can make informed purchasing decisions and save money on the items we want to buy.

Real-Life Applications of Discounts and Percentages

Discounts and percentages are used in many real-life situations, such as:

Sales and promotions
Discounts on credit cards
Interest rates on loans
Taxes and fees

By understanding discounts and percentages, we can make informed decisions and save money in these situations.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Discounts and Percentages

When calculating discounts and percentages, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not understanding the percentage sign (%)
Not multiplying the total cost by the percentage discount
Not considering the decimal equivalent of the percentage
Not rounding the answer to the nearest dollar

By avoiding these common mistakes, we can ensure that our calculations are accurate and reliable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding discounts and percentages is an essential skill for making informed purchasing decisions and saving money. By calculating discounts and percentages, we can determine the amount of the discount and make informed decisions about the items we want to buy.
Zenaida's Stereo System: A Guide to Discounts and Percentages

Q&A: Discounts and Percentages

In our previous article, we explored how to calculate discounts and percentages using a real-life example of Zenaida shopping for a stereo system. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about discounts and percentages.

Q: What is a discount?

A: A discount is a reduction in the price of an item. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the original price.

Q: How do I calculate a discount?

A: To calculate a discount, you need to multiply the original price of the item by the percentage discount. For example, if the original price of the item is $100 and the discount is 20%, you would multiply $100 by 0.20 (which is equal to 20%).

Q: What is a percentage?

A: A percentage is a way to express a value as a fraction of 100. For example, 25% is equal to 25/100, which can be simplified to 1/4.

Q: How do I convert a percentage to a decimal?

A: To convert a percentage to a decimal, you need to divide the percentage by 100. For example, 25% can be converted to a decimal by dividing 25 by 100, which equals 0.25.

Q: What is the difference between a discount and a sale?

A: A discount is a reduction in the price of an item, usually expressed as a percentage of the original price. A sale, on the other hand, is a temporary reduction in the price of an item, usually for a limited time.

Q: Can I get a discount on a sale item?

A: It depends on the store's policy. Some stores may offer additional discounts on sale items, while others may not.

Q: How do I know if a discount is a good deal?

A: To determine if a discount is a good deal, you need to compare the discounted price to the original price. If the discounted price is significantly lower than the original price, it may be a good deal.

Q: Can I negotiate a discount?

A: Yes, you can try to negotiate a discount with the store. However, the store may not be willing to offer a discount, especially if the item is already on sale.

Q: What is the best way to calculate a discount?

A: The best way to calculate a discount is to use a calculator or a spreadsheet to ensure accuracy. You can also use a discount calculator app on your phone.

Q: Can I get a discount on a gift card?

A: It depends on the store's policy. Some stores may offer discounts on gift cards, while others may not.

Q: How do I know if a discount is a scam?

A: To determine if a discount is a scam, you need to research the store and the discount. If the discount seems too good to be true, it may be a scam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding discounts and percentages is an essential skill for making informed purchasing decisions and saving money. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to have provided you with a better understanding of discounts and percentages.

Real-Life Applications of Discounts and Percentages

Discounts and percentages are used in many real-life situations, such as:

Sales and promotions
Discounts on credit cards
Interest rates on loans
Taxes and fees

By understanding discounts and percentages, we can make informed decisions and save money in these situations.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Discounts and Percentages

When calculating discounts and percentages, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not understanding the percentage sign (%)
Not multiplying the total cost by the percentage discount
Not considering the decimal equivalent of the percentage
Not rounding the answer to the nearest dollar

By avoiding these common mistakes, we can ensure that our calculations are accurate and reliable.

Conclusion