Mastering TEAS ATI Mathematics: How to Calculate Discounts Efficiently

    Understanding how to handle basic arithmetic with percentages is crucial, especially when prepping for the TEAS ATI Mathematics test. Let’s look at a problem that beautifully illustrates this, shall we? It revolves around our friend Erma, who’s found herself on a shopping spree, buying two sweaters. 

    So, Erma buys a snazzy sweater priced at $50 and another at $44. Now here's the catch: the second sweater is on a 25% discount. So, what’s her total cost? The options are $79, $81, $83, or $85. 

    Now, if you're scratching your head thinking this is confusing, let me explain it step by step. The art of discount calculation isn’t just useful for shopping sprees; it often turns up in day-to-day budgeting too. Understanding the process can save more than a couple of bucks over time! 

    First off, we need to calculate that 25% discount on the second sweater. Here’s how you do it: Start with the original price of the second sweater, which is $44. To find 25% of $44, multiply it by 0.25:

    \[
    0.25 \times 44 = 11
    \]

    Got that? So, she saves $11 on the second sweater. Then, we subtract that discount from the original price:

    \[
    44 - 11 = 33
    \]

    We’re almost there! Now let’s not forget about the first sweater that costs a solid $50. We add that to the discounted price of the second sweater:

    \[
    50 + 33 = 83
    \]

    Bam! Erma's total bill comes to $83. The correct choice here is C, and it’s delightful when calculations come together smoothly, isn’t it? 

    If you find thinking about numbers a bit daunting, just know you’re not alone. Many people feel that way. A good strategy is to practice problems like this one regularly. The more you work with numbers, the easier they become! 

    Connecting mathematics to real-life scenarios, like figuring out your shopping expenses or maybe even planning a budget for a small party, can really reinforce your skills. Don’t you think? It’s all about making those connections.

    So remember, whether it’s preparing for the TEAS ATI Mathematics test or just shopping smart, understanding percentages and how they work can lead to wise decisions. Now, go out there and tackle those math problems!