what is 3.5 percent of 50

2 min read 23-12-2024

Calculating percentages is a fundamental skill in math with many real-world applications. Whether you're figuring out sales tax, calculating discounts, or determining a tip, understanding percentages is key. This article will clearly explain how to calculate 3.5 percent of 50. We'll walk through the steps, offering different methods to suit various learning styles.

Understanding Percentages

Before we dive into the calculation, let's refresh our understanding of percentages. A percentage is a fraction of 100. So, 3.5 percent means 3.5 out of 100, or 3.5/100.

Method 1: Using Decimal Conversion

This is the most straightforward method. First, convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing it by 100:

3.5% ÷ 100 = 0.035

Next, multiply the decimal by the number you want to find the percentage of (50):

0.035 x 50 = 1.75

Therefore, 3.5 percent of 50 is $\boxed{1.75}$ .

Method 2: Using Fractions

This method involves expressing the percentage as a fraction and then simplifying:

3.5% can be written as 3.5/100. To make this fraction easier to work with, we can multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 to remove the decimal:

(3.5 x 10) / (100 x 10) = 35/1000

Now, simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 5:

35/1000 = 7/200

Finally, multiply the simplified fraction by 50:

(7/200) x 50 = 7/4 = 1.75

Again, we find that 3.5 percent of 50 is $\boxed{1.75}$ .

Method 3: Using a Calculator

For quick calculations, a calculator is incredibly useful. Simply enter "0.035 * 50" and press equals. The answer, 1.75, will appear instantly. This is a convenient method for everyday percentage calculations.

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages like this is vital in many scenarios. For example:

Sales Tax: If an item costs $50 and the sales tax is 3.5%, you would pay an additional $1.75 in tax.
Discounts: A 3.5% discount on a $50 item would save you $1.75.
Tips: Calculating a 3.5% tip on a $50 meal would be $1.75.

Conclusion

Calculating 3.5 percent of 50, whether using decimals, fractions, or a calculator, consistently yields the answer: $\boxed{1.75}$ . Mastering this type of calculation equips you with a valuable skill for various financial and everyday situations. Remember, understanding the underlying principles is just as important as getting the right answer.