Ralph has $54.00 worth of products in his cart. At the register, he asks if he could have a 20% discount on an item with a small issue. This item is $20.00 to start. They agree.  Ralph also has a 10% coupon on his purchase, which he uses after the 20% discount on the item with the small issue. How much will all of his items cost? Think carefully first, then make a decision:
They approved 20% off of the $20.00 item so .20 * 20 = $4.00. The item has a $4.00 discount which can be applied from his final total of $54.00 so 54 - 4 = $50.00. Now he can use his 10% coupon on the $50.00 total so .10 * 50 = $5.00. The total was $50.00 but his $5.00 discount now makes it 50 - 5 = $45.00. So, the answer is 45.