what percentage is 5 of 35

2 min read 27-12-2024

Knowing how to calculate percentages is a valuable skill in many aspects of life, from understanding discounts and sales to analyzing data and statistics. This article will guide you through calculating what percentage 5 is of 35, and explain the process so you can apply it to other percentage problems. We'll even look at different ways to solve the problem, catering to various mathematical preferences.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage represents a fraction of 100. For example, 50% means 50 out of 100, or 50/100, which simplifies to 1/2. To find what percentage one number is of another, we use a simple formula.

Calculating the Percentage: Method 1 (Fraction to Percentage)

This method involves converting the fraction representing the problem into a percentage.

Express the problem as a fraction: The problem "What percentage is 5 of 35?" can be written as the fraction 5/35.
Simplify the fraction (if possible): In this case, both 5 and 35 are divisible by 5, simplifying the fraction to 1/7.
Convert the fraction to a decimal: Divide the numerator (1) by the denominator (7): 1 ÷ 7 ≈ 0.142857
Convert the decimal to a percentage: Multiply the decimal by 100: 0.142857 × 100 ≈ 14.29%

Therefore, 5 is approximately 14.29% of 35.

Calculating the Percentage: Method 2 (Direct Calculation)

This method uses a direct formula, avoiding the intermediate steps of simplifying fractions.

Set up the equation: We want to find x such that (x/100) * 35 = 5.
Solve for x:
- Multiply both sides by 100: 35x = 500
- Divide both sides by 35: x = 500/35
- Simplify the fraction: x ≈ 14.29

Therefore, 5 is approximately 14.29% of 35.

Different Ways to Express the Answer

Depending on the context, you might round the percentage to a whole number (14%) or use more decimal places for greater precision (14.29%). The level of precision you need will depend on the application.

Practical Applications

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in various situations, including:

Sales and discounts: Calculating the discount amount or the final price after a percentage discount.
Financial calculations: Determining interest rates, profit margins, or tax amounts.
Data analysis: Representing proportions or changes in data as percentages.
Everyday life: Tipping in restaurants, calculating sale prices, and many other scenarios.

Conclusion

Calculating what percentage 5 is of 35 involves a straightforward process. Whether you use the fraction-to-percentage method or the direct calculation method, the answer remains approximately 14.29%. This fundamental skill is widely applicable, making it a valuable asset to possess. Mastering percentage calculations will empower you to tackle various numerical challenges with confidence.