what is 40 of 26

Natashya

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25-12-2024

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What is 40% of 26? A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a percentage of a number is a common task in many areas, from calculating discounts to figuring out taxes. This article will clearly explain how to calculate 40% of 26, step by step, making it easy to understand and apply to other percentage problems. We'll cover the calculation using both fractions and decimals.

Understanding Percentages

Before we begin, let's quickly review what a percentage means. A percentage is a fraction out of 100. For instance, 40% means 40 out of 100, or 40/100.

Method 1: Using Fractions

1. Convert the percentage to a fraction: 40% can be written as the fraction 40/100.

2. Simplify the fraction (optional): We can simplify 40/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 20, resulting in 2/5.

3. Multiply the fraction by the number: Now, we multiply the simplified fraction (2/5) by 26:

   (2/5) * 26 = 52/5

4. Convert the improper fraction to a decimal: To get a more user-friendly answer, we divide 52 by 5:

   52 ÷ 5 = 10.4

Therefore, 40% of 26 is $\boxed{10.4}$.

Method 2: Using Decimals

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To convert 40% to a decimal, divide it by 100:

   40% ÷ 100 = 0.40 (or simply 0.4)

2. Multiply the decimal by the number: Multiply the decimal (0.4) by 26:

   0.4 * 26 = 10.4

Again, we find that 40% of 26 is $\boxed{10.4}$.

Practical Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages is valuable in many real-world situations. For example:

• Discounts: If an item costs $26 and is on sale for 40% off, you would save $10.40.
• Taxes: Calculating sales tax or other percentage-based taxes.
• Tips: Figuring out a tip amount in a restaurant.
• Grade Calculations: Determining a percentage grade on a test or assignment.

Conclusion

Calculating 40% of 26 is straightforward using either the fraction or decimal method. Both methods yield the same result: 10.4. Mastering these methods will allow you to confidently tackle a wide range of percentage problems in your daily life. Remember to practice these methods to build your understanding and speed.