Percent Applications Examples in Math

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Percent Applications.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Math.

Concept Recap

Using percentages to solve real-world problems involving tax, tip, discount, markup, and simple interest.

A 20% tip on a \45 meal: 0.20 \times 45 = \9 tip, so total is \54. A 30% discount on \80: save \24, pay \56.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: All percent applications follow the same pattern: identify the whole, find the percent, compute the part, then add or subtract as needed.

Common stuck point: Tax and tip are added to the original, discounts are subtracted—students sometimes do the opposite.

Sense of Study hint: Ask yourself: does the final amount go UP or DOWN? Tips and taxes go up (add), discounts go down (subtract).

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A restaurant bill is \56. The customer wants to leave a 15\%$ tip. What is the tip amount and the total paid?

Solution

  1. 1
    Tip: 15\% \times 56 = 0.15 \times 56 = 8.40.
  2. 2
    Total: 56 + 8.40 = \64.40$.
  3. 3
    Alternatively, multiply by 1.15: 1.15 \times 56 = \64.40$.

Answer

\text{Tip} = \8.40,\quad \text{Total} = \64.40
A tip is a percentage added to the original bill. You can compute the tip and add it, or multiply the bill by (1 + tip rate) to get the total in one step.

Example 2

medium
Emma borrows \2000 at a simple interest rate of 4.5\% per year for 3$ years. How much total interest does she pay, and what is the total amount repaid?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
A pair of shoes costs \72 before 8\%$ sales tax. What is the final price?

Example 2

hard
A clothing store marks up items by 60\% of the wholesale cost and then offers a 25\% discount on the retail price. If the wholesale cost is \50$, what is the final selling price, and is it above or below the wholesale cost?
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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

percent of a numberpercent change