5 Easy Percent Word Problems to Solve Now

Solving percent word problems is an essential math skill that can be applied in various real-life situations, such as calculating discounts, tips, and increases in prices or quantities. Percent word problems can seem daunting at first, but with practice, you’ll become proficient in solving them. Here are 5 easy percent word problems to help you improve your math skills.

Problem 1: Finding the Discount

Tom is shopping for a new smartphone that originally costs $800. The store is offering a 15% discount on all purchases. How much will Tom pay for the smartphone?

📝 Note: To find the discount, multiply the original price by the discount percentage.

Solution: Original price = 800 Discount = 15% of 800 = 0.15 x 800 = 120 New price = Original price - Discount = 800 - 120 = $680

Problem 2: Calculating the Tip

Emily and her friends went to a restaurant and the total bill was $50. They want to give a 20% tip to the waiter. How much will the tip be?

💸 Note: To calculate the tip, multiply the total bill by the tip percentage.

Solution: Total bill = 50 Tip = 20% of 50 = 0.20 x 50 = 10 Total amount to be paid = Total bill + Tip = 50 + 10 = $60

Problem 3: Finding the Increase

A bookshelf originally costs $120. The price increases by 12% due to inflation. What is the new price of the bookshelf?

🚨 Note: To find the increase, multiply the original price by the increase percentage.

Solution: Original price = 120 Increase = 12% of 120 = 0.12 x 120 = 14.40 New price = Original price + Increase = 120 + 14.40 = $134.40

Problem 4: Calculating the Percentage of a Number

A bakery sells 250 loaves of bread per day. If 15% of the loaves are sold with a discount, how many loaves are sold with a discount?

🍞 Note: To calculate the percentage of a number, multiply the number by the percentage.

Solution: Total loaves = 250 Loaves sold with discount = 15% of 250 = 0.15 x 250 = 37.5 Since you can’t sell half a loaf, round down to 37 loaves.

Problem 5: Finding the Original Price

A shirt is on sale for $24, which is 25% off the original price. What was the original price of the shirt?

👕 Note: To find the original price, divide the sale price by the percentage remaining after the discount.

Solution: Sale price = 24 Discount percentage = 25% Percentage remaining = 100% - 25% = 75% = 0.75 Original price = Sale price ÷ Percentage remaining = 24 ÷ 0.75 = $32

By solving these easy percent word problems, you’ll become more confident in your math skills and be able to tackle more complex problems. Remember to always read the problem carefully, identify the key information, and apply the correct mathematical operations.

The key to solving percent word problems is to understand the concept of percentages and how they can be used to calculate discounts, increases, and percentages of numbers. With practice, you’ll become proficient in solving percent word problems and be able to apply your math skills in real-life situations.