IMAT 2013 Q23 [Pasta]

The pasta that I buy in the local supermarket usually costs €1.60 per packet. This week the packet is marked ‘€0.20 off normal price’.

In addition the following sign is on display ‘10% off all bills when you spend €10 or more’.

Assuming that I spend over €10 altogether, how much will the packet of pasta cost?

A. €1.26
B. €1.24
C. €1.30
D. €1.12
E. €1.18

Simple steps to solve word problems:

  • Underline key information
  • Determine what they are trying to ask, and what you will need to solve it
    • Eliminate any non-essential information
  • Draw a picture, graph, or equation
    • In moments of high stress like exam taking, always work with the paper they give you to avoid careless mistakes.
  • Solve.

To solve this question, it is important to consider the order. First, we need to calculate the price of the packet minus the €0.20 discount, then since we know that you are spending €10.00, it means you qualify for the 10% discount on top of that reduced price. So let’s solve:

  1. Calculate the cost per pack after the €0.20 discount

€1.60 - €0.20 = €1.40

  1. Calculate 10% of €1.40

(€1.40)(0.10) = €0.14

  1. Find the final price of the pack

€1.40 - €0.14 = €1.26

\fcolorbox{red}{grey!30}{Therefore the answer is A, $€1.26$}