How Ratios Help Us Save Money When Shopping

Ratios are important tools we can use when we shop. They help us figure out discounts and compare prices so we can save money. Here’s how we see ratios in everyday shopping:

1. Figuring Out Discounts:
   Stores often tell us about discounts using percentages. Ratios help us find out how much the new price will be after the discount. For example, if a shirt costs $50 and it has a 20% discount, we can calculate the price like this:

   • Calculate the discount: $50 × 0.20 =$10
   • Find the sale price: $50 -$10 = $40 So, the shirt will cost$40 after the discount.

2. Comparing Prices:
   When we want to buy different products, we can use ratios to see which one is a better deal. Let’s say we have a 500g bag of flour for £1.20 and a 1kg bag for £2.50. We can compare their prices like this:

   • Price for the first bag: £1.20 for 500g, so it costs £2.40 for 1kg.
   • Price for the second bag: £2.50 for 1kg.
     This shows that the first bag of flour is a better value.

3. Understanding "Buy One Get One Free" Offers:
   Offers like "Buy One Get One Free" can also be understood with ratios. If we buy one item for £4.00 and get another one free, we can find the cost per item:

   • Cost per item: £4.00 ÷ 2 = £2.00 per item.
     This way, we see how much we really spend on each item.

4. Buying in Bulk:
   Sometimes buying in bulk (more of something at once) can save us money too. For example, if a 12-pack of soda costs £6.00, while a single can costs £0.75, we can find out how much each can costs in the pack:

   • Cost per can in bulk: £6.00 ÷ 12 = £0.50 per can.
     By buying the 12-pack, we save £0.25 for each can.

By using and understanding ratios, we can make smarter choices while shopping and save more money!