About Solving Percent Word Problems:

When solving a word problem, the most important step is to understand the main objective. This gives the student a laser focus. We can then filter through all of the information, leading to an equation that can be solved. We then provide an answer and check to make sure it is reasonable.


Test Objectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to read a word problem and understand the main objective
  • Understand how to set up an equation based on the information given in a word problem
  • Demonstrate the ability to check the solution to a word problem
Solving Percent Word Problems Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Sam owns a hardware store and is offering a big promotion. Customers can decide on taking a discount of 30% off of the original price or they can take 20% off of the original price and then an additional 12% off of the discounted price. Which option results in a better price? (Hint: Use $100 and see which is better)


#2:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) This year, Brad’s car lot had $710,500 in total sales. This represents an increase of 45% from the year before. Find the sales from Brad’s car lot for the year before.


#3:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Ella is a sales clerk at a local grocery store. One day last week, Ella had $1710 in receipts for goods sold. This amount included the 8% state and local taxes, along with 6% federal taxes. Find the pre-tax amount of the goods sold by Ella for the given day.


#4:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) At a local tractor dealership, Megan begs the manager to sell a new tractor for an all-inclusive price of $56,838. This amount would include the 8.15% state and local sales taxes, along with other miscellaneous government document and registration fees of $600. If the dealer agrees to this price, how much is the price of the tractor before any taxes or fees?


#5:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Amanda works as a saleswoman for a local jewelry store. She earns a salary of $650 per week plus a 28% commission on all of her sales. She is currently paying an income tax rate of 35%, which includes all state, local, and federal taxes. Additionally, she has $115.50 taken out of each check for healthcare insurance. One week, her check after all taxes and other deductions was $5585. How much merchandise did she sell for that week?


Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) 30% off gives the better deal


#2:

Solutions:

a) $490,000


#3:

Solutions:

a) $1500


#4:

Solutions:

a) $52,000


#5:

Solutions:

a) $29,000