what is 20 percent of 850

2 min read 23-12-2024

Finding 20 percent of 850 might seem daunting at first, but it's a straightforward calculation. This article will walk you through different methods to solve this problem, helping you grasp the concept of percentages and how to apply them in various situations. Whether you're a student tackling math homework or an adult needing to calculate discounts, mastering percentages is a valuable skill. Let's dive in!

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is simply a fraction expressed as a part of 100. The symbol "%" denotes a percentage. So, 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100, which simplifies to 1/5.

Method 1: Using Decimal Multiplication

This is the most common and arguably easiest method for calculating percentages.

Convert the percentage to a decimal: Divide the percentage by 100. In this case, 20% becomes 20/100 = 0.20.
Multiply the decimal by the number: Multiply 0.20 by 850: 0.20 * 850 = 170.

Therefore, 20% of 850 is $\boxed{170}$ .

Method 2: Using Fractions

This method utilizes the fractional equivalent of the percentage.

Convert the percentage to a fraction: As mentioned earlier, 20% is equal to 20/100, which simplifies to 1/5.
Multiply the fraction by the number: Multiply 1/5 by 850: (1/5) * 850 = 850/5 = 170.

Again, we find that 20% of 850 is $\boxed{170}$ .

Method 3: Proportion Method

This method uses proportions to solve for the unknown value.

Set up a proportion: We can set up a proportion as follows: 20/100 = x/850, where 'x' represents the unknown value (20% of 850).
Cross-multiply: This gives us 100x = 20 * 850 = 17000.
Solve for x: Divide both sides by 100: x = 17000/100 = 170.

Once more, we arrive at the answer: 20% of 850 is $\boxed{170}$ .

Real-World Applications

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in many everyday situations:

Calculating discounts: Finding the price after a 20% discount on an $850 item.
Determining tax amounts: Calculating the sales tax on a purchase.
Understanding interest rates: Working out simple interest on a loan or investment.
Analyzing data: Interpreting percentages in charts and graphs.

Conclusion

Calculating percentages is a fundamental mathematical skill with widespread applications. We've explored three different methods to determine that 20 percent of 850 is 170. Mastering these methods empowers you to confidently tackle percentage problems in various contexts. Remember, the key is to understand the underlying principles and choose the method that best suits your needs. Now you're ready to tackle any percentage calculation with confidence!