Percentage Calculations — Multiply & Divide Pathway
Finding a percentage of an amount
- Percent means "out of 100".
- To find a percentage: divide by 100, then multiply.
- Or convert to a decimal and multiply directly.
- Example: 15% of 200 = 0.15 x 200 = 30.
Example: 35% of 240
- Step 1: Convert 35% to a decimal: 35 / 100 = 0.35.
- Step 2: Multiply: 0.35 x 240.
- Step 3: 0.35 x 200 = 70. 0.35 x 40 = 14.
- Step 4: 70 + 14 = 84. Answer: 84.
Your turn
- Try: 20% of 150.
- Convert: 20% = 0.20.
- Multiply: 0.20 x 150 = 30.
- Answer: 30.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to convert the percentage to a decimal first. 15% = 0.15, not 15.
- Dividing instead of multiplying. To find a percentage of an amount, multiply by the decimal, do not divide.
Real-Life Example
A phone costs 240 pounds and you get a 35% discount. 35% of 240: 0.35 x 240 = 84 pounds off. Sale price = 240 - 84 = 156 pounds.
Extra Support Hints
- Convert the percentage to a decimal first: divide by 100.
- 10% is easy: just divide by 10. Use 10% to build other percentages.