Use Knowledge of Percentages to Work out Values of Discounts

Sometimes when we go shopping, we can use discount vouchers or coupons to save money.

Some coupons give a fixed amount of discount provided that you spend at least a certain minimum amount.

Some coupons give a percentage off.

Example

Jack buys a book for £22.40.

Which of these two coupons would be better for him to use to get the better discount.

Answer

£22.40 is more than £20, so he will get a £5 discount if he uses the orange £5 off coupon.

25% is the same as a quarter.

2240 ÷ 4 = 560

So he will get a £5.60 discount if he uses the blue 25% off coupon.

The blue 25% coupon gives the better discount.

If he uses the blue coupon, he will have to pay £22.40 - £5.60 which is £16.28

Let's have a go at some questions now.