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Lesson 9

Real-World Applications

Apply percentage skills to shopping, finance, and more.

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📚 Real-World Applications

Percentages are everywhere in daily life. Let's practice with realistic scenarios!

🛒 Shopping: Double Discounts

A $100 item has 20% off, then an additional 15% off the sale price.

1
First discount: $100 × 0.80 = $80
2
Second discount: $80 × 0.85 = $68

Total savings: $32 (32%), not 35%!

💳 Calculating Tips

Quick method for 15% tip on a $48 bill:

1
10% = $4.80
2
5% = half of 10% = $2.40
3
15% = $4.80 + $2.40 = $7.20

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I split a restaurant bill with a tip?

Add the tip to the bill, then divide by the number of people: $80 plus a 20% tip of $16 is $96, or $24 each for four people.

Where do percentages come up in everyday money decisions?

Discounts, sales tax, tips, interest on savings and loans, and pay rises are all one of three calculations: a part of a number, a change from a base, or the original value behind a result.

Practice

Work each one out, then check yourself.

  1. A $250 TV has a 30% discount. You have an extra 10% off coupon. What's the final price?

    Hint: First discount: $250 × 0.70 = $175. Then apply 10% off: $175 × 0.90

    Show answer

    157.5

Final Quiz

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Test what you learned. Pick the correct answer for each question.

  1. A $40 meal with 18% tip — total to pay?

    A $40 meal with 18% tip — total to pay?

  2. A $25 shirt has 7% sales tax. Final cost?

    A $25 shirt has 7% sales tax. Final cost?

  3. You buy a $1,200 item with 15% off and add 8% tax. Final price?

    You buy a $1,200 item with 15% off and add 8% tax. Final price?