Calculating Total Discounts On Smartphones A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Hey guys! Let's dive into a common scenario we often encounter while shopping – discounts on smartphones. In this article, we'll break down a specific example to understand how multiple discounts combine and what the total discount percentage really is. We'll tackle the question: If a smartphone originally priced at $600 is on sale for 20% off, and a loyalty card gives an additional 10% discount, what's the total percentage discount a customer receives? Understanding these calculations is super useful for making informed purchasing decisions and ensuring you're getting the best deal possible. So, grab your calculators, and let's get started!

When it comes to smartphone discounts, it's essential to realize that multiple discounts don't simply add up in a straightforward manner. The second discount is applied to the already discounted price, not the original price. This concept is crucial to grasp to accurately calculate the final price and the total discount percentage. Imagine walking into a store, eyes set on that sleek new smartphone you've been eyeing. The price tag reads $600, but a vibrant sign announces a 20% sale! Excitement bubbles, but the savvy shopper in you knows there's more to the story. You pull out your loyalty card, hoping for an even sweeter deal. The cashier swipes it, and a 10% loyalty discount pops up. Now, the real question is: What's the total discount you're getting? Is it a simple 30%? Not quite! This is where the magic of sequential discounts comes into play. The initial 20% discount brings the price down, and then the 10% loyalty discount is applied to this reduced price. This means the 10% is calculated on a smaller base amount, making the final discount a bit less than the sum of the individual discounts. To truly master the art of saving, we need to understand the step-by-step calculation. First, we'll find out the price after the 20% discount, and then we'll apply the 10% loyalty discount. This will give us the final price, which we can then use to calculate the total discount percentage. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion, each step revealing a clearer picture of the savings. So, let's dive in and crack this discount code!

Step-by-Step Calculation: Decoding the Discount

To find the total discount, we need to calculate the price after each discount is applied. First, let's calculate the price after the 20% discount. A 20% discount on $600 means the price is reduced by 20% of $600. This can be calculated as 0.20 * $600 = $120. So, the price after the first discount is $600 - $120 = $480. Now, we apply the 10% loyalty discount. This discount is applied to the already discounted price of $480, not the original $600. A 10% discount on $480 is 0.10 * $480 = $48. Subtracting this from $480 gives us the final price: $480 - $48 = $432. Now that we have the final price, we can calculate the total discount amount. The total discount is the original price minus the final price: $600 - $432 = $168. To find the total discount percentage, we divide the total discount amount by the original price and multiply by 100: ($168 / $600) * 100 = 28%. Therefore, the total discount the customer receives is 28%, not 30%. This example highlights why understanding how discounts work is crucial for making informed decisions. When you're staring at those tempting sale signs, remember that consecutive discounts might not be as straightforward as they seem. The key is to calculate each discount sequentially, applying it to the price after the previous discount. This will give you the accurate final price and the true percentage of savings. Thinking about it this way, you can almost feel like a math whiz every time you shop! Imagine the satisfaction of knowing exactly how much you're saving and confidently comparing deals. It's like having a secret shopping superpower! So next time you're faced with multiple discounts, remember our step-by-step approach. Break down each discount individually, apply it to the previous price, and then you'll have the real picture of your savings. This not only helps you save money but also empowers you to make smarter purchasing decisions. You'll become a pro at spotting the best deals and avoid falling for misleading marketing tactics. Happy shopping, and may your discounts always be in your favor!

Calculating the Total Discount Percentage: The Formula

To calculate the total discount percentage, we use the formula: Total Discount Percentage = (Total Discount Amount / Original Price) * 100. In our example, the total discount amount is $168, and the original price is $600. Plugging these values into the formula, we get: ($168 / $600) * 100 = 28%. This confirms that the total discount percentage is 28%. Understanding this formula is crucial for any shopper looking to maximize their savings. It provides a clear and concise way to determine the true value of a discount, especially when multiple discounts are involved. Let's break down the formula a bit further to truly grasp its power. The