Backpack Bargain: Which Deal Wins?

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Backpack Bargain: Which Deal Wins?

Hey everyone, let's dive into a fun little math puzzle! Dora's on the hunt for a new backpack, and she's got a budget of $40. Two stores are vying for her business, each with its own tempting offers. Our mission? To figure out which store gives Dora the better deal. We'll break down the discounts at Samantha's Club and Priceco to see which one leaves Dora with more cash in her pocket, ultimately saving her some serious money. Ready to crunch some numbers? Let's get started!

Samantha's Club: The First Contender

Alright, let's start with Samantha's Club. They're advertising a two-step discount: a 20% sale followed by a 15% off coupon. It's super important to remember the order here – sales and coupons usually aren't applied at the same time. Think of it like this: first, the store knocks a chunk off the price due to the sale, and then you get to use your coupon for an even lower price. The original price of the backpack is $40.

First, we tackle the 20% sale. To figure out how much this takes off, we multiply the original price by 20% (or 0.20 as a decimal). So, $40 * 0.20 = $8. That means the sale takes $8 off the original price. Next, we subtract that $8 from the original $40: $40 - $8 = $32. So after the 20% sale, the backpack now costs $32. The backpack's price went down because of the initial 20% sale. Now, for the real kicker, we bring in the 15% off coupon. We need to calculate 15% of the $32 sale price. Do this by multiplying $32 by 0.15: $32 * 0.15 = $4.80. This is the amount the coupon takes off. Finally, we subtract the coupon discount from the sale price: $32 - $4.80 = $27.20. That means, after all the discounts, the backpack at Samantha's Club will cost Dora $27.20. Pretty cool, right? She saves a lot of money!

This two-step process can sometimes be a bit confusing, but breaking it down into smaller steps like this makes it a lot easier to understand. The key is to apply the discounts one after another and to make sure you're always calculating the percentage off the current price, not the original one.

Priceco: The Second Challenger

Now, let's swing over to Priceco. They're offering a different combo: a 10% sale followed by a 25% off coupon. The original price of the backpack is still $40. Just like with Samantha's Club, the order of operations matters big time. First, we'll apply the sale, and then we'll factor in the coupon.

Let's calculate the sale first. Priceco's got a 10% sale, so we multiply the original price ($40) by 10% (or 0.10). $40 * 0.10 = $4. The sale knocks off $4. Subtract that from the original price: $40 - $4 = $36. So, after the sale, the backpack is priced at $36. With the sale completed, we now move onto the 25% off coupon. We multiply the sale price, $36, by 25% (or 0.25): $36 * 0.25 = $9. The coupon takes off $9. We subtract the coupon discount from the sale price: $36 - $9 = $27. So, after all the discounts, the backpack at Priceco will cost Dora $27.

So, after all the math, the backpack at Priceco will cost $27. Remember how important it is to perform the discounts in the correct order? This step-by-step approach ensures you always apply each discount to the current price, giving you the most accurate final price. Keep that in mind, and you will become a sale master in no time!

The Verdict: Which Store Wins?

Alright, guys, let's compare the final prices. At Samantha's Club, the backpack will cost $27.20. At Priceco, it'll cost $27. Priceco offers the better deal in this scenario, saving Dora a cool 20 cents. It's important to remember that the order in which the discounts are applied can change the final price. Even though Samantha's Club has a bigger initial sale, the combined effect of the sale and coupon at Priceco turns out to be slightly better in this case.

This simple math problem illustrates a valuable lesson in real-world shopping: always compare the final prices after all discounts are applied. Don't just focus on the percentage off; consider how the discounts stack up. You might be surprised at which store offers the better overall deal. It's like a secret weapon for smart shopping – you can use it every time you go shopping! Knowing this will help you save money. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in spotting the best bargains.

Tips for Smart Shopping

Okay, so we've solved Dora's backpack dilemma, but let's take a moment to talk about smart shopping in general. This isn't just about math; it's about being a savvy consumer and making informed decisions. Here are a few tips to help you become a shopping superstar:

  • Always Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first price you see. Check multiple stores, both online and offline, to see who offers the best deal. Websites like PriceRunner or Google Shopping can make this super easy.

  • Read the Fine Print: Sales and discounts often have conditions. Make sure you understand the terms, like if the sale applies to all items or only specific ones. Also, check the return policy before you make a purchase.

  • Use Coupons Wisely: Coupons are your friends! Look for online coupons, sign up for store newsletters, and check coupon websites. But always make sure the coupon is valid and applies to the item you want.

  • Consider Sales Tax and Shipping: Factor in any extra costs like sales tax and shipping fees when comparing prices. These can sometimes make a seemingly good deal not so good.

  • Check the Quality: Price isn't everything. Before buying something, especially big-ticket items, read reviews and research the product to make sure it's worth the money. A bargain isn't a bargain if the item breaks quickly!

  • Shop Around for the Best Offers: Sales are fantastic, but don't limit yourself to sales only. Check for cashback offers, store rewards programs, and other ways to save money. This can add up quickly.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a smart shopper. Happy shopping!