what is 10 percent of 84

2 min read 27-12-2024

Finding 10% of a number is a fundamental skill in math, applicable to various situations like calculating discounts, tips, or understanding proportions. This article will show you how to easily determine what 10 percent of 84 is, and explain the underlying method so you can solve similar problems.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction of 100. "Percent" literally means "out of 100." So, 10% means 10 out of 100, or 10/100, which simplifies to 1/10.

Method 1: Using the Decimal Equivalent

The easiest way to find 10% of a number is to convert the percentage to its decimal equivalent and multiply. Since 10% is equivalent to 0.10 (or simply 0.1), we can calculate 10% of 84 as follows:

84 x 0.1 = 8.4

Therefore, 10% of 84 is $\boxed{8.4}$

Method 2: Dividing by 10

Because 10% is 1/10, finding 10% of a number is the same as dividing that number by 10. This method is particularly simple for calculating 10%:

84 ÷ 10 = 8.4

Again, we arrive at the answer: 10% of 84 is $\boxed{8.4}$

Why This Method Works

Both methods work because they represent the same mathematical operation. Multiplying by 0.1 is identical to dividing by 10. This shortcut makes calculating 10% of any number incredibly quick and straightforward.

Practical Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages, especially 10%, is useful in many everyday scenarios:

Sales and Discounts: A 10% discount on an $84 item would save you $8.40.
Tips and Gratuities: Calculating a 10% tip on a bill is a common practice.
Commission: Salespeople often earn a percentage (like 10%) of their sales.
Understanding Data: Many charts and graphs use percentages to represent data.

Beyond 10%: Calculating Other Percentages

While finding 10% is easy, you can adapt these methods for other percentages. To calculate any percentage of a number, convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply:

For example, to find 25% of 84:

25% = 0.25

84 x 0.25 = 21

Conclusion

Calculating 10% of 84, or any number, is a simple process. Using either the decimal equivalent (0.1) or dividing by 10 provides a quick and accurate result of $\boxed{8.4}$ . Mastering this basic percentage calculation will significantly improve your ability to handle various mathematical problems in everyday life.