How to Calculate a Discount
Convert the percentage discount to a decimal., Multiply the original price by the decimal., Subtract the discount from the original price.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Convert the percentage discount to a decimal.
To do this, think of the percent number with a decimal to the right of the last digit.
Move the decimal point two places to the left to get the converted decimal.You can also use the %{\displaystyle \%} sign on a calculator.
For example, you might want to calculate the sale price of a pair of shoes that is regularly $69.95.
If the shoes are 25% off, you need to convert 25% to a decimal by thinking 25%=25.00%=.25{\displaystyle 25\%=25.00\%=.25}. -
Step 2: Multiply the original price by the decimal.
You can multiply the decimal by hand, or use a calculator.
This will tell you the discount, or what value is being taken off the original price.For example, to find the 25% discount on a pair of $69.95 shoes, you would calculate
69.95×.25=17.49{\displaystyle
69.95\times .25=17.49}. , To subtract decimals, line up the decimal points and subtract as you would whole numbers.
Be careful to drop the decimal point down into your answer.
You can also use a calculator.
The difference will be the sale price of the item.For example, if a pair of shoes that are originally $69.95 have a discount of $17.49, calculate the sale price by subtracting:69.95−17.49=52.46{\displaystyle
69.95-17.49=52.46}.
So, the shoes are on sale for $52.46. -
Step 3: Subtract the discount from the original price.
Detailed Guide
To do this, think of the percent number with a decimal to the right of the last digit.
Move the decimal point two places to the left to get the converted decimal.You can also use the %{\displaystyle \%} sign on a calculator.
For example, you might want to calculate the sale price of a pair of shoes that is regularly $69.95.
If the shoes are 25% off, you need to convert 25% to a decimal by thinking 25%=25.00%=.25{\displaystyle 25\%=25.00\%=.25}.
You can multiply the decimal by hand, or use a calculator.
This will tell you the discount, or what value is being taken off the original price.For example, to find the 25% discount on a pair of $69.95 shoes, you would calculate
69.95×.25=17.49{\displaystyle
69.95\times .25=17.49}. , To subtract decimals, line up the decimal points and subtract as you would whole numbers.
Be careful to drop the decimal point down into your answer.
You can also use a calculator.
The difference will be the sale price of the item.For example, if a pair of shoes that are originally $69.95 have a discount of $17.49, calculate the sale price by subtracting:69.95−17.49=52.46{\displaystyle
69.95-17.49=52.46}.
So, the shoes are on sale for $52.46.
About the Author
Gloria Cooper
Brings years of experience writing about creative arts and related subjects.
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