Case File: How to Solve Multi-step Problems Involving Percent

1. Case Background: Understanding Multi-step Problems Involving Percent

Before we delve into the investigation, let’s brief ourselves on the terms involved:

• Multi-step Problems: These are problems that require more than one operation or step to find the solution.
• Percent: A ratio or fraction expressed out of \(100\).

2. The Investigation: How to Solve Multi-step Problems Involving Percent

Now that we’re armed with the basics, it’s time to dive into the mystery!

Detective’s Guide: Solving Multi-step Problems Involving Percent

Step 1: Understand the Problem

First, read the problem carefully. Identify what you’re asked to find and what information you have.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Develop a strategy to solve the problem. This could involve determining percentages, adding or subtracting amounts, or other operations.

Step 3: Carry Out the Plan

Execute your strategy. Remember, you might have to perform several steps in order to find the solution.

Step 4: Check Your Solution

Finally, review your work to ensure your answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

For example, if you buy a book that costs \($25\) and gets a \(20\)\(\%\) discount, but also has to pay \(5\)\(\%\) sales tax, what’s the final price?

1. Understand the Problem: You need to find the final price after applying a discount and tax to a \($25\) book.
2. Make a Plan: First, find the discounted price. Then, apply the tax.
3. Carry Out the Plan:
   • The discount is \(20\)\(\%\) of \($25\), or \($5\). So, the discounted price is \($25\ – $5 = $20\).
   • The tax is \(5\)\(\%\) of \($20\), or \($1\). So, the final price is \($20+ $1 = $21\).
4. Check Your Solution: A \($25\) book with a \($5\) discount and \($1\) tax should cost \($21\).

Well done, detectives! You’ve solved the mystery of multi-step problems involving percent. Always remember, no case is too tough when you break it down into manageable steps. Keep your wits about you, and happy sleuthing!