I. Introduction
Have you ever struggled with finding a percentage of a number? Whether you’re calculating a discount, tip, or tax, knowing how to find the percent of a number is a crucial skill. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to find percent of a number. We’ll also provide you with examples, visuals, and real-world applications to help you understand this concept better.
II. Structured Steps
Step 1: Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing it by 100. For example, if you want to find 30% of 50, divide 30 by 100 to get 0.3.
Step 2: Multiply the decimal by the number you want to find the percentage of. In the example above, multiply 0.3 by 50 to get 15.
Step 3: Add a percent sign (%) to the answer. In our example, the answer is 15%, which means that 30% of 50 is 15.
III. Problem-Based Approach
Let’s try some problems to practice finding percent of a number.
Problem 1: What is 25% of 80?
Step 1: Convert 25% to a decimal by dividing it by 100. 25 ÷ 100 = 0.25
Step 2: Multiply 0.25 by 80. 0.25 × 80 = 20
Step 3: Add a percent sign. 20%
Therefore, 25% of 80 is 20.
Problem 2: What is 15% of 120?
Step 1: Convert 15% to a decimal by dividing it by 100. 15 ÷ 100 = 0.15
Step 2: Multiply 0.15 by 120. 0.15 × 120 = 18
Step 3: Add a percent sign. 18%
Therefore, 15% of 120 is 18.
IV. Comparisons
There are different methods of finding percent of a number. Let’s compare and contrast two methods: using fractions and using decimals.
Method 1: Using Fractions
To calculate a percentage using fractions, first write the percentage as a fraction over 100. Then, multiply the fraction by the number you want to find the percentage of.
For example, to find 20% of 50:
Step 1: Write 20% as a fraction. 20% = 20/100 = 1/5
Step 2: Multiply 1/5 by 50. 1/5 × 50 = 10
Step 3: Add a percent sign. 10%
Method 2: Using Decimals
To calculate a percentage using decimals, divide the percentage by 100 and multiply the result by the number you want to find the percentage of.
For example, to find 20% of 50:
Step 1: Convert 20% to a decimal. 20 ÷ 100 = 0.2
Step 2: Multiply 0.2 by 50. 0.2 × 50 = 10
Step 3: Add a percent sign. 10%
While both methods are effective, using decimals is faster and easier when dealing with larger numbers.
V. Real-World Applications
Let’s see how finding percent of a number is used in real life scenarios.
Example 1: Calculating Discounts
When shopping, you’ll often see discounts advertised as percentages. To calculate the discounted price, you need to find the percentage of the original price, and then subtract that amount from the original price.
For example, if a dress is originally priced at $80 and is on sale for 30% off:
Step 1: Find 30% of $80. 30% ÷ 100 = 0.3, 0.3 × 80 = 24
Step 2: Subtract the percentage from the original price. $80 – $24 = $56
The discounted price of the dress is $56.
Example 2: Calculating Tips
When dining at a restaurant, it’s customary to tip your server 15-20% of the total bill. To calculate the tip, find the percentage of the total bill and add it to the original bill.
For example, if your bill is $50 and you want to leave a 20% tip:
Step 1: Find 20% of $50. 20% ÷ 100 = 0.2, 0.2 x $50 = $10
Step 2: Add the tip to the total bill. $50 + $10 = $60
You should leave a $10 tip for a $50 bill.
VI. Infographic
VII. Conclusion
Knowing how to find percent of a number is an essential skill in everyday life. Whether you’re calculating discounts, tips, or taxes, finding the percentage of a number can save you time and money. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily find the percentage of any number.