Price Employee Paid

[nycmathguy]

The price of a pair of sneakers was $80 for the last six months of last year. On January first, the price increased 20%. After the price increase, an employee bought these sneakers with a 10% employee discount. What price did the employee pay?

I seek a hint or two. If there is an equation set up, that's even better.

 

[MathLover1]

given: The price of a pair of sneakers was $80
hint:
20% increase=> all together 120%=1.2=> $80*1.2 (find new price)
10% employee discount=0.9* new price->deduct discount

 

[nycmathguy]

given: The price of a pair of sneakers was $80
hint:
20% increase=> all together 120%=1.2=> $80*1.2 (find new price)
10% employee discount=0.9* new price->deduct discount

Let me see.

80 • 0.20 = 16

New price = $16 + $80 or $96.

At 10% off the new price, we calculate 100% - 10% = 90%.

Let E = price employee paid

E = 0.90 • 96

E = $86.40

 

[MathLover1]

correct

 

[nycmathguy]

correct

Very good. I think the best skill in math is the ability to solve word problems. In 2006, I moved in with my dad in Springfield, Missouri. I wanted to start a new life away from the overpopulated NYC.

The Missouri slogan is the SHOW ME state. It is literally that---you must prove yourself to be who you claim to be. For example, if you claim to be an excellent swimmer, you must pass a swim test. I took a test at Bank One to work as a Financial Advisor.

The test consisted mostly of word problems. After the test, the proctor said my score was the lowest that he had seen in many years. This news hit me hard. I was so embarrassed. The value of my B.A. in Sociology and college education became obsolete at that moment in time.

The questions on the test were very similar to this thread. Employers are not impressed if you can solve a linear equation like x + 4 = 5. Anyone can solve this equation for x. Employers want to know if applicants can REASON their way to the right answer, which is why word problems are often given on exams leading to jobs. You say?