Calculating a percentage is one of the simplest and most useful mathematical tricks. It is one of the simplest ways of quantifying things and presenting comparative ratios.
What is Percentage
Percentage literally means per 100 pieces of anything, which is one way of specifying the fraction of a complete whole. A percentage value is a fraction multiplied by 100. It is a way of presenting a fraction with the denominator of 100.
How to Calculate Percentages
Example: Out of a total of 20 fruits, 5 are apples, 10 are oranges, and 5 are pineapples. Then the percentages of all three fruits in the basket are calculated in the following way:
Solution:
- Determine the part and the whole. In this example, the whole is the fruit basket containing 20 fruits and the parts are 5 apples, 10 oranges, and 5 pineapples.
- Determine the fraction of fruits in the basket. The fractions are:
- 5/20 = 1/4 x 100 = 25% for apples
- 10/20 = 1/2 x 100 = 50% for oranges
- 5/20 = 1/4 x 100 = 25% for pineapples
Calculations with Percents
When the whole and percent are given, the part can be found by multiplying the percent by the whole.
FORMULA:
- PERCENT X WHOLE = PART
- Given the whole and the percent, find the part.
- Given the whole and the part, find the percent.
- Given the percent and the part, find the whole.
- The percent must be put into decimal form prior to being multiplied. This can be done by dividing the percent by 100.
Express Percent to Fraction or Decimal
Simplified Formula:
- (300/100)x0.20 = 60 = 0.20
- To get the decimal form, divide the percentage to 100.
- The amount is 15, the base is 60, calculate the percent.
percent = (15/60) x 100 = 25%
Express Fraction to Decimal or Percent
To get the decimal form, multiply the fraction to 100 and then multiply the decimal to 100 to get the percentage.
Percent Change
Change in value / original value x 100 = percent
Problems of Percentage
If certain value p increases by x%, then the increased value = (100+x)% of P.
- The price of a book is 400 and if the price increases by 25%, then what will be the increased price of this book.
The required price will be (100+25)% of 400 = 125.
If certain value p decreases by x%, then the decreased value = (100-x)% of P.
- The price of a fan is 5000 and if the price decreases by 20%, then what will be the decreased price of this fan.
The required price will be (100-25)% of 5000 = 3750.
These examples demonstrate the various ways to calculate percentages and the formulas used for such calculations in practical scenarios. The percentage formula provides a simple yet effective method for determining proportions and making informed decisions. From finding the percentage of marks to calculating the percentage increase or decrease in statistics, this simple concept is incredibly versatile and applicable in a wide range of real-life situations.
