Making Change Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
A pencil costs 35 cents. You pay with 50 cents. How much change do you get back?

Solution

  1. 1
    Amount paid: 50 cents.
  2. 2
    Cost: 35 cents.
  3. 3
    Change = \(50 - 35 = 15\) cents.
  4. 4
    You get 15 cents back.

Answer

15 cents
Change = amount paid − price. You gave 50¢ for a 35¢ item, so you receive 15¢ back.

About Making Change

Calculating how much money is returned to a buyer when they pay more than the purchase price, using subtraction with dollars and cents or the counting-up strategy.

Learn more about Making Change →

More Making Change Examples

Example 2 medium

You buy a sandwich for [formula]1.50. You pay with a $10 bill. How much change do you receive?

Example 3 easy

A toy costs 68 cents. You pay with 1 dollar (100 cents). What is your change?

Example 4 medium

You buy three items: [formula]1.25, and [formula]10 bill. How much change do you get?

← All Making Change Examples Making Change Concept