The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the problem described in the image, the correct expression to find the price of the jeans is:
85 – (85 * 0.15)
Here is a detailed explanation of why this expression is the correct choice.
The problem requires finding the final price of a pair of jeans that originally costs $85 and is being sold with a 15% discount. To solve this, we must first calculate the monetary value of the discount and then subtract that amount from the original price. The expression 85 – (85 * 0.15) correctly represents this two-step process.
Let’s break down the chosen expression. The portion inside the parentheses, (85 * 0.15), calculates the discount amount. The original price, $85, is multiplied by the discount rate, 15%, which is written in its decimal form, 0.15. This calculation gives us $12.75, which is the total amount of money saved. The first part of the expression, 85, represents the starting price. By subtracting the discount amount from the original price, 85 – 12.75, we arrive at the final sale price of $62.25. The expression models this entire calculation perfectly.
The other options provided are incorrect for several reasons. The expression 85 * 0.15 would only calculate the discount amount ($12.75), not the final price you pay. Another option, 85 * 1.15, would incorrectly calculate a 15% price increase, resulting in a price higher than the original. Other expressions might involve incorrect discount percentages or faulty logic, such as applying a tax to the discount itself. Therefore, the only expression that accurately reflects the situation of taking a 15% discount off an $85 item is 85 – (85 * 0.15). It logically computes the price after the reduction.
