Finding the Percentage of a Number

Mathematics is a subject that can intimidate many people, but understanding some basic concepts can make the subject much more approachable. One such concept is finding the percentage of a number. Whether you need to calculate a discount, determine the tax on a purchase, or compare data sets, knowing how to find percentages is a valuable skill. In this article, we will break down the process of finding the percentage of a number and provide clear examples to help you understand and apply this concept.

The first step to finding the percentage of a number is understanding what percentage represents. A percentage is a part of a whole, represented by a number out of 100. For example, if you scored 80 out of 100 on a test, your score can be written as 80%. Knowing this, we can determine that finding the percentage of a number simply involves multiplying the number by the given percentage.

To find the percentage of a number, we multiply the number by the percentage and divide the result by 100. The formula for this calculation is:

Percentage = (Number * Percentage) / 100

Let’s look at an example to demonstrate the process. Suppose you want to find 20% of 150. Start by multiplying 150 by 20:

Percentage = (150 * 20) / 100

Simplifying the equation, we have:

Percentage = 3000 / 100

Percentage = 30

Therefore, 20% of 150 is 30.

We can also use this method to determine the original number if we know the percentage and the result. To find the original number, divide the result by the percentage and multiply by 100. The formula is:

Number = (Result * 100) / Percentage

Let’s consider an example. If 25% is equal to 50, the original number can be found using the formula:

Number = (50 * 100) / 25

Simplifying the equation, we get:

Number = 5000 / 25

Number = 200

Therefore, the original number is 200 when 25% of it is 50.

Knowing how to find percentages can be helpful in various situations. For instance, when shopping, you may come across discounts that require calculating the percentage reduction. If an item is originally priced at $80 and is on sale for 20% off, you need to determine the discounted price. To find the discount amount, multiply the original price by the percentage:

Discount = (Original Price * Percentage) / 100

Using the formula, we get:

Discount = (80 * 20) / 100

Discount = 1600 / 100

Discount = 16

Therefore, the discount on the item is $16, and the discounted price is $80 – $16 = $64.

Similarly, percentages can be used to calculate taxes. If a purchase includes a 7% tax, you need to determine the tax amount. For a purchase of $100, the calculation will be:

Tax = (Purchase * Percentage) / 100

Applying the formula, we have:

Tax = (100 * 7) / 100

Tax = 700 / 100

Tax = 7

Therefore, the tax on a $100 purchase with a 7% tax rate is $7.

In conclusion, finding the percentage of a number is a valuable skill in mathematics. Understanding the concept of a percentage as a part of a whole and using the formula (Number * Percentage) / 100 enables us to calculate percentages in various situations. Whether you need to find a discount, determine taxes, or compare data sets, mastering this concept will make math much more manageable and practical in your everyday life.