Solving Multi-Step Percent Problems

1) A laptop costs $800. It is discounted by 20% and then taxed at 10%. What is the final price?

$704

$720

$792

$800

20% of 800 = 160 → 640. Add 10% tax on 640 = 64 → final 704.

Explanation

20% of 800 = 160 → 640. Add 10% tax on 640 = 64 → final 704.

2) A student scored 45 out of 60 in Math and 72 out of 80 in English. In which subject did the student score higher percentage?

Math

English

Both equal

Cannot be determined

Math: 45/60 = 75%. English: 72/80 = 90%. 90% is higher.

Explanation

Math: 45/60 = 75%. English: 72/80 = 90%. 90% is higher.

3) If a shopkeeper gives a 20% discount followed by a 10% discount, it is the same as a 30% discount.

True

False

Successive discounts compound: 80% × 90% = 72% → 28% off, not 30%.

Explanation

Successive discounts compound: 80% × 90% = 72% → 28% off, not 30%.

4) A bill is $500. Tax is 8%. A 5% tip is added on the total. What is the final amount?

$545

$550

$560

$567

Tax: 8% of 500 = 40 → 540. Tip: 5% of 540 = 27 → total 567.

Explanation

Tax: 8% of 500 = 40 → 540. Tip: 5% of 540 = 27 → total 567.

5) A population of 25,000 decreases by 12% one year and 8% the next year. What is the final population?

20,200

20,500

21,000

21,200

Step 1: 12% of 25,000 = 3,000. New population = 22,000.

Step 2: 8% of 22,000 = 1,760. New population = 22,000 – 1,760 = 20,240 ≈ 20,200.

Explanation

Step 1: 12% of 25,000 = 3,000. New population = 22,000.

Step 2: 8% of 22,000 = 1,760. New population = 22,000 – 1,760 = 20,240 ≈ 20,200.

6) A bank pays 5% simple interest annually. If $2,000 is deposited, what is the interest after 3 years?

$250

$300

$350

$400

Interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) ÷ 100.

= (2000 × 5 × 3) ÷ 100 = 300.

Explanation

Interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) ÷ 100.

= (2000 × 5 × 3) ÷ 100 = 300.

7) A $600 fridge is sold at 25% discount. What is the discount amount?

$120

$130

$140

$150

25% = 1/4. 1/4 of 600 = 150.

Explanation

25% = 1/4. 1/4 of 600 = 150.

8) A car worth $25,000 depreciates by 15% in the first year and 10% in the second year. What is its value after 2 years?

$18,500

$19,125

$19,500

$20,000

Step 1: 15% of 25,000 = 3,750. New value = 21,250.

Step 2: 10% of 21,250 = 2,125. New value = 21,250 – 2,125 = 19,125.

Explanation

Step 1: 15% of 25,000 = 3,750. New value = 21,250.

Step 2: 10% of 21,250 = 2,125. New value = 21,250 – 2,125 = 19,125.

9) If 12% of a number is 48, what is the number?

300

350

380

400

48 ÷ 0.12 = 400.

Explanation

48 ÷ 0.12 = 400.

10) A $1,000 computer is reduced by 25%, then increased by 20%. What is the final price?

$900

$920

$940

$960

25% of 1000 = 250 → 750. Then +20% of 750 = 150 → 900.

Explanation

25% of 1000 = 250 → 750. Then +20% of 750 = 150 → 900.

11) An item sold at a 10% loss and then increased by 10% returns to the original price.

True

False

0.9 × 1.1 = 0.99 → 99% of original, not 100%.

Explanation

0.9 × 1.1 = 0.99 → 99% of original, not 100%.

12) A store owner marks up goods by 25% on cost. If cost = $200, what is selling price?

$220

$240

$250

$260

25% of 200 = 50. Selling price = 200 + 50 = 250.

Explanation

25% of 200 = 50. Selling price = 200 + 50 = 250.

13) A student scored 450 out of 600. What percent is this?

70%

72%

75%

78%

450 ÷ 600 = 0.75 → 75%.

Explanation

450 ÷ 600 = 0.75 → 75%.

14) A mobile costs $500. It is reduced by 10% and then an additional $30 off. What is final price?

$420

$430

$440

$450

Step 1: 10% of 500 = 50. New price = 450.

Step 2: Subtract 30 → 450 – 30 = 420.

Explanation

Step 1: 10% of 500 = 50. New price = 450.

Step 2: Subtract 30 → 450 – 30 = 420.

15) A restaurant bill is $240. A tip of 12% is added. What is the tip amount?

$26.80

$28.80

$30.80

$32.80

10% of 240 = 24. 2% = 4.8. Add → 28.8.

Explanation

10% of 240 = 24. 2% = 4.8. Add → 28.8.