Let's solve these real-world problems step by step:

1. Pencils Remaining after a 45% Decrease

Mrs. Jones originally had 56 pencils. There is a 45% decrease.

• Solution:
  To calculate the number of pencils remaining:
  $\text{Decrease} = 56 \times 0.45 = 25.2$
  Now subtract the decrease from the original number:
  $\text{Remaining pencils} = 56 - 25.2 = 30.8$
  Since pencils are whole items, she has approximately 31 pencils remaining.

2. John's Hoodie with Two Coupon Options

The hoodie costs $35.75. Let’s calculate the cost under both coupon options.

Option 1: $5 Off Coupon

$\text{Price} = 35.75 - 5 = 30.75$

Option 2: 15% Off Coupon

First, calculate 15% of $35.75:
$\text{Discount} = 35.75 \times 0.15 = 5.3625$
Subtract the discount:
$\text{Price} = 35.75 - 5.3625 \approx 30.39$

Better Buy

Now compare the two prices:

• $5 off → $30.75
• 15% off → $30.39

The 15% off coupon is the better deal, saving $0.36 more.

3. Suzie’s Makeup Purchase with a 20% Off Coupon

Suzie buys mascara for $8.20 and lip gloss for $6.75. She has a 20% off coupon.

• Total before discount:
  $\text{Total} = 8.20 + 6.75 = 14.95$

• 20% Discount:
  $\text{Discount} = 14.95 \times 0.20 = 2.99$

• Final Price:
  $\text{Final Price} = 14.95 - 2.99 = 11.96$

Suzie will pay $11.96 after the discount.

Summary of Answers:

1. Mrs. Jones has 31 pencils remaining.
2. The 15% off coupon is better; John pays $30.39 (saves $0.36 more).
3. Suzie pays $11.96 after the 20% discount.

Would you like further explanations or steps for any of these?

Related Questions:

1. How do you calculate the percentage decrease of any value?
2. If Mrs. Jones had 100 pencils and the decrease was 30%, how many would remain?
3. If John had another coupon for 25% off, what would his final hoodie price be?
4. What if Suzie’s coupon was 25% instead of 20%? How much would she save?
5. How can you quickly compare percentage discounts versus fixed amount coupons?

Tip: To calculate discounts, always multiply the original price by the percentage (as a decimal) and subtract it from the total.