Mary and Roberto bought identical backpacks at different stores. Mary's backpack originally cost $65 and was discounted 25%. Roberto's backpack originally cost $75 and was on sale for 30% off on the original price. Which backpack was the better buy?

Answer: Mary's backpack was a better buy.

Step-by-step explanation:

First, you figure out the cost of Mary's backpack. To do this, you find the amount taken off the original price by doing 65 x 25%.

65 x 25% = 16.25. This is the price deducted form the original. Therefore the new price is $48.75 because $65 (original) - $16.25 (amount taken off original) = $48.75.

Now onto Roberto. First, you find the price taken off by doing 75 x 30%. This gets you $22. 50.

75 x 30% = 22.5

Next, you deduct the original from the amount taken off.

75-22.5 = $52.50

Since 48.75 is less than 52.50, Mary's backpack was a better buy.