Computing Successive Percentages: Proportions and Equations

The video tutorial explains how to calculate successive percentages using proportions and equations. It begins with a problem involving discounts and tax on a computer purchase. The lesson reviews solving percentage problems with equations and proportions, addresses common misconceptions, and provides a step-by-step calculation of discounts and tax. The tutorial concludes by emphasizing the correct strategy for calculating percentages, highlighting the importance of applying each percentage to the correct amount.

What was the original price of Eli's computer before any discounts?

• $350

• $297.50

• $500

• $319.07

Which of the following is a correct method to solve percentage problems?

• Ignoring the order of percentage changes

• Using proportions and equations

• Multiplying all percentages directly

• Adding all percentage changes together

What is the sale price of the computer after a 30% discount?

• $500

• $150

• $297.50

• $350

How much is the final price of the computer after applying all discounts and tax?

• $350

• $297.50

• $319.07

• $286.25

What is the equivalent percentage of a 15% discount?

• 100% of the sale price

• 15% of the original price

• 85% of the sale price

• 70% of the original price

What is the tax rate applied to the final price after discounts?

• 10%

• 15%

• 7.25%

• 5%

Why can't we simply add up all percentage changes to find the final price?

• Because percentages are always added to the original price

• Because each percentage is applied to a different amount

• Because percentages are not real numbers

• Because the tax rate is too high