what is 20 percent of 58

2 min read 26-12-2024

Finding a percentage of a number is a common calculation in various situations, from calculating discounts to determining tips. This article will show you how to easily calculate 20% of 58. We'll break it down step-by-step, making it easy to understand and apply to other percentage problems.

Understanding Percentages

Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what percentages represent. A percentage is a fraction of 100. So, 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100. This can be simplified to the decimal 0.20 (or just 0.2).

Method 1: Using Decimal Multiplication

This is the most straightforward method. We'll convert the percentage to a decimal and then multiply:

Convert the percentage to a decimal: 20% = 0.20
Multiply the decimal by the number: 0.20 * 58 = 11.6

Therefore, 20% of 58 is $\boxed{11.6}$

Method 2: Using Fraction Multiplication

We can also solve this using fractions. Remember that 20% is equivalent to the fraction 20/100:

Convert the percentage to a fraction: 20% = 20/100
Simplify the fraction (optional): 20/100 simplifies to 1/5
Multiply the fraction by the number: (1/5) * 58 = 58/5
Convert the improper fraction to a decimal: 58/5 = 11.6

Again, we find that 20% of 58 is $\boxed{11.6}$

Method 3: Using Proportions

A proportion sets up an equation relating two ratios. We can use this method as well:

Set up a proportion: x/58 = 20/100 (where 'x' represents 20% of 58)
Cross-multiply: 100x = 20 * 58
Solve for x: 100x = 1160 => x = 1160/100 => x = 11.6

This method confirms that 20% of 58 is $\boxed{11.6}$

Real-World Application: Calculating Discounts

Imagine a shirt costs $58 and is on sale for 20% off. Using the methods above, you would calculate the discount as $11.60. Subtracting this discount from the original price gives you the final price: $58 - $11.60 = $46.40.

Conclusion

Calculating percentages is a valuable skill with many real-world applications. Whether you use decimal multiplication, fraction multiplication, or proportions, the answer remains the same: 20% of 58 is 11.6. Remember to choose the method you find easiest and most comfortable to use.