What is a percentage?
A percentage represents a portion of a whole which is divided into 100 equal parts. It is often denoted by the symbol “%”. Percentages are commonly used in a wide variety of situations, such as calculating taxes, interest rates, grades, and more.
How to calculate a percentage of a number?
Calculating a percentage of a number involves a simple formula:
(Percentage / 100) x Number = Result
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Say you want to calculate 20% of 500:
(20 / 100) x 500 = 0.2 x 500 = 100
So, 20% of 500 is 100.
How to find the percentage increase or decrease?
To determine the percentage increase or decrease from one value to another, follow these steps:
- Subtract the initial value from the final value.
- Divide that result by the initial value.
- Multiply the answer by 100.
For example, let’s find the percentage increase from 50 to 75:
Step 1: 75 – 50 = 25
Step 2: 25 / 50 = 0.5
Step 3: 0.5 x 100 = 50
So, there is a 50% increase from 50 to 75.
How to calculate a percentage discount?
Calculating a percentage discount is useful when shopping or finding sale prices. Here’s the formula:
Discounted Price = Original Price – (Percentage / 100) x Original Price
For example, if an item originally costs $80 and is on a 25% discount:
Discounted Price = 80 – (25 / 100) x 80 = 80 – 0.25 x 80 = 80 – 20 = $60
The discounted price is $60.
Understanding how to obtain a percentage is a fundamental skill for everyday life. From simple calculations to more complex scenarios, percentages play a crucial role. By following the formulas and steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently tackle percentage calculations in various situations. So next time you encounter a percentage problem, remember the techniques you’ve learned here and solve it with ease!