what is 85 percent of 20

Natashya

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25-12-2024

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What is 85 Percent of 20? A Simple Calculation Explained

What is 85% of 20? This seemingly simple question can be answered in a few different ways, making it a great example for understanding percentages. This article will show you how to calculate this, along with providing context and different methods to find the answer.

Understanding Percentages

Before diving into the calculation, let's quickly refresh our understanding of percentages. A percentage is a fraction of 100. So, 85% means 85 out of 100, or 85/100. To find a percentage of a number, we essentially find that fraction of the number.

Method 1: Converting to a Decimal

The most common method involves converting the percentage to a decimal and then multiplying.

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To do this, divide the percentage by 100. 85% / 100 = 0.85

2. Multiply by the number: Now, multiply the decimal by the number you want to find the percentage of (20 in this case). 0.85 * 20 = 17

Therefore, 85% of 20 is $\boxed{17}$.

Method 2: Using Fractions

Alternatively, you can solve this problem using fractions.

1. Express the percentage as a fraction: As mentioned earlier, 85% is equal to 85/100.

2. Multiply the fraction by the number: Multiply the fraction (85/100) by 20: (85/100) * 20 = 1700/100

3. Simplify the fraction: Simplify the resulting fraction by dividing the numerator (1700) by the denominator (100): 1700/100 = 17

Again, we find that 85% of 20 is $\boxed{17}$.

Method 3: Using Proportions

A proportion is a statement of equality between two ratios. We can set up a proportion to solve this:

85/100 = x/20

To solve for x (which represents 85% of 20), cross-multiply:

100x = 85 * 20

100x = 1700

x = 1700/100

x = 17

Once more, we arrive at the answer: 85% of 20 is $\boxed{17}$.

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages is crucial in many real-world situations, such as:

• Calculating discounts: Finding the sale price of an item after a discount.
• Determining tax amounts: Calculating the amount of sales tax on a purchase.
• Analyzing data: Interpreting data presented as percentages in reports or graphs.
• Financial calculations: Calculating interest on loans or investments.

No matter which method you use, the answer remains the same: 85% of 20 is 17. Choosing the method that you find easiest and most understandable is key to mastering percentage calculations.