He wants to stay 1000*.2=<<1000*.2=200>>200 pounds under the max

So he wants to stay under 1000-200=<<1000-200=800>>800 pounds

That means he can put 800-250=<<800-250=550>>550 pounds on the bar

# Answer

550
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
John's weight bench can support 1000 pounds.  He wants to make sure to stay 20% under that weight for safety.  If he weighs 250 pounds how much weight can he put on the bar?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
550
John's weight bench can support 1000 pounds.  He wants to make sure to stay 20% under that weight for safety.  If he weighs 250 pounds how much weight can he put on the bar?
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