what is 15 of 260

2 min read 26-12-2024

Finding a percentage of a number is a common task in many areas of life, from calculating sales tax to determining discounts. This article will guide you through calculating 15% of 260, explaining the process step-by-step and providing helpful tips for similar calculations. We'll also explore different methods to arrive at the answer, ensuring you understand the underlying principles.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction or ratio expressed as a number out of 100. For instance, 15% means 15 out of 100, or 15/100. To find a percentage of a number, we need to convert the percentage into a decimal or a fraction and then multiply it by the number.

Method 1: Converting Percentage to a Decimal

This is generally the most straightforward method. To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide the percentage by 100.

Convert 15% to a decimal: 15 ÷ 100 = 0.15
Multiply the decimal by the number: 0.15 x 260 = 39

Therefore, 15% of 260 is $\boxed{39}$ .

Method 2: Converting Percentage to a Fraction

Alternatively, you can convert the percentage to a fraction and then multiply.

Convert 15% to a fraction: 15% = 15/100
Simplify the fraction (optional): 15/100 simplifies to 3/20
Multiply the fraction by the number: (3/20) x 260 = 39

Again, we find that 15% of 260 is $\boxed{39}$ .

Practical Applications and Further Exploration

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in various real-world scenarios:

Sales and Discounts: Calculating discounts on items during sales.
Taxes: Determining the amount of sales tax or other taxes.
Tips and Gratuities: Calculating tips in restaurants or service industries.
Finance: Calculating interest rates or returns on investments.
Statistics: Analyzing data and interpreting percentages in surveys or reports.

Calculating Other Percentages

The methods described above can be applied to calculate any percentage of any number. Simply replace 15% and 260 with your desired values and follow the same steps. Practice with a few examples to solidify your understanding. For instance, try calculating 25% of 180, or 7% of 500.

Conclusion

Calculating 15% of 260 is a simple yet fundamental percentage problem. By understanding the underlying concepts and applying the methods outlined above – whether converting to a decimal or a fraction – you can confidently tackle similar percentage calculations in various contexts. Remember, practice is key to mastering this essential skill.