Calculate Discount: Final Price After 15% Off
Hey guys! Let's break down this math problem together. We need to figure out how much Mariana paid for her cell phone after a sweet 15% discount on the original price of R$ 1,200.00. Don't worry, we'll go through it step by step so you can nail this kind of calculation every time!
Understanding Percentages and Discounts
First off, what's a percentage? Think of it as a fraction out of 100. So, 15% is basically 15 out of every 100. When we're talking discounts, it means we're taking away a certain portion of the original price. In Mariana's case, she's saving 15% of R$ 1,200.00.
The key to calculating percentages is turning them into decimals. To do that, you just divide the percentage by 100. So, 15% becomes 15 / 100 = 0.15. This decimal is what we'll use to find the discount amount.
Why is this important? Well, imagine you're shopping and see a sign that says "20% off!" Knowing how to calculate that quickly can save you a lot of money and make sure you're getting the best deal. Plus, it's a super useful skill for everyday life, from splitting bills with friends to understanding interest rates on loans.
In the context of discounts, understanding percentages helps you see exactly how much you're saving. It's not just about the percentage number; it's about the actual amount of money you keep in your pocket. This makes you a smarter shopper and helps you manage your finances better. So, let's get back to Mariana's phone and figure out her savings!
Calculating the Discount Amount
Now that we know 15% is the same as 0.15, we can calculate the discount amount. To do this, we simply multiply the original price of the cell phone (R$ 1,200.00) by the decimal value of the discount (0.15). This will tell us exactly how much money Mariana saved.
So, the calculation looks like this: R$ 1,200.00 * 0.15. Grab your calculator (or do it the old-school way!) and you'll find that the result is R$ 180.00. This means Mariana got a discount of R$ 180.00 on her new phone. Sweet deal!
Understanding how to calculate this is super useful in many situations. Think about sales at the store, online shopping, or even negotiating prices. Knowing how to quickly figure out the discount amount helps you make informed decisions and ensures you're not getting ripped off. It's a practical skill that pays off in the long run.
Let's put this into perspective. Imagine you're buying a new TV that costs R$ 2,000.00, and there's a 25% discount. By using the same method, you'd multiply R$ 2,000.00 by 0.25 (which is 25% as a decimal), and you'd find out you're saving R$ 500.00! That's a significant amount, and knowing how to calculate it empowers you to make smart purchasing choices.
Finding the Final Price
We've figured out the discount amount, which is R$ 180.00. But we're not done yet! We need to find the final price Mariana paid after the discount was applied. This is the actual amount she shelled out for the phone.
To find the final price, we subtract the discount amount (R$ 180.00) from the original price (R$ 1,200.00). This will give us the price Mariana paid after the 15% discount. The calculation is straightforward: R$ 1,200.00 - R$ 180.00.
If you do the math, you'll find that R$ 1,200.00 minus R$ 180.00 equals R$ 1,020.00. So, Mariana's final price for the cell phone was R$ 1,020.00. Awesome!
This step is crucial because it tells you the real cost of the item after any discounts or savings. It's not enough to know the discount amount; you need to know the final price to make sure it fits your budget and you're getting a good deal. Think of it as the bottom line – the number that really matters.
This kind of calculation is super handy in everyday life. Whether you're buying clothes, electronics, or even groceries, knowing how to subtract a discount from the original price helps you stay on top of your spending and make informed choices. It's a simple yet powerful tool for financial literacy.
Identifying the Correct Answer
Okay, we've done all the calculations, and we know the final price Mariana paid for her phone is R$ 1,020.00. Now, let's look at the answer options provided and see which one matches our result.
The options were:
A) R$ 1,020.00 B) R$ 1,050.00 C) R$ 1,080.00 D) R$ 1,100.00
Comparing our calculated final price (R$ 1,020.00) with the options, we can clearly see that option A, R$ 1,020.00, is the correct answer. We nailed it!
This step is super important because it's where you confirm your work and make sure you're selecting the right answer. It's easy to make a small mistake in the calculations, so double-checking against the options ensures you're confident in your response. Think of it as the final seal of approval on your solution.
In test-taking scenarios, this step can be a lifesaver. Even if you're unsure about your method, having answer options can help you eliminate incorrect choices and increase your chances of guessing correctly. It's a strategy that combines calculation skills with smart test-taking techniques.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap it all up, Mariana paid R$ 1,020.00 for her cell phone after the 15% discount. We calculated the discount amount by multiplying the original price by the decimal equivalent of the discount percentage, and then we subtracted that discount from the original price to find the final amount. Easy peasy!
Understanding discounts and how to calculate them is a valuable skill. It helps you save money, make informed purchasing decisions, and manage your finances effectively. Plus, it's a great way to impress your friends and family with your math skills!
Remember, the key is to break down the problem into smaller steps. First, convert the percentage to a decimal. Second, calculate the discount amount. Third, subtract the discount from the original price. And finally, double-check your answer against the options provided.
Keep practicing these types of calculations, and you'll become a discount-calculating pro in no time. Whether you're shopping for a new gadget or just trying to split a bill at a restaurant, these skills will come in handy. Now go out there and snag some awesome deals!
