The word “percentage” was adapted from the Latin word “per centum,” which is “by the hundred.” Percentages are fractions that have 100 as the denominator. Also, a relation between whole and part determines the value for “whole” is always taken as a number of 100.
If, for instance, students’ marks in maths are 15 percent, the proportion can be determined by using “marks obtained” as a percentage of “total marks” and multiplying the sum by 100. i.e. percent of marks = 15/ 50×100 = percent. Discover more about percentages and how to convert them into decimals, fractions, and fractions.
What is the percentage?
Definition: “percentage,” often called percent, is a fractional value of 100.
Mathematically, “percentage” refers to figures or ratios expressed in percentages of 100. It is usually referred to as “%” or “percent.” An excellent example of a percentage is 65 or 65. They can be represented as decimals, simple fractions, or fractions (i.e., 65/100, 0.65).
The phrase “percentage” is formed from two small words: “per” and “cent.” Cent is an English word that has Latin as well as French roots and is translated as “hundred”; therefore, “percent” literally translates to “per hundred.” Calculating percentage refers to getting the proportion of the whole of 100.
Common uses for percents
Percentages are used for almost any situation that occurs in everyday life. They allow you to measure quantities and identify value or the extent to which the amount has increased or decreased. These examples illustrate some typical uses of percents:
Discounts
Discounts represent a decrease in the price. Restaurants, shops and many other retailers often offer discounts on products and services. As an example:
The clothing store is offering its final stock of designer jeans. To help liquidate it, the retailer is selling the jeans for sale at a discount of half of their original cost. Customers can purchase jeans for just $50.
Investments
The majority of investing strategies employ percentages. The majority of portfolios for investment separate the money invested in bonds, stocks and various other investments in proportion to the entire amount. As an example:
A portfolio may contain 20% of bonds, 70% of stocks and 10% of the cash market. The section for stocks could also include percentages of investment in every stock. Analysts from financial institutions can reveal the return an investment has earned in percentage of its initial investment. In the example above, if the initial investment was $50,000, and the 10-year return was $10,000, the proportion would be 20 percent.
How to Calculate the Percentage of a Number
The ability to determine the percentage in just three steps. The three steps can be:
Step 1: Find the initial form of the number, i.e., the decimal or fraction. The format used in the beginning will describe the mathematical operations that follow the number. If a decimal value is 0.25, it is the ratio calculated between the two values we’re comparing, whereas one example of a fraction could be 4/15.
Step 2: Execute the mathematical operations on the given number. This means that if the number you are given is a fraction, you must convert it into a decimal. If the number you are given is a decimal, keep it as it is.
As an example, 4/15 = 0.267
Step 3: Divide the results obtained from the preceding step by 100. The results should be expressed in percentage form. As an example, 0.267 100 x 0.267 is 26.7 1 %.
How can you determine an amount?
To calculate a percentage generally, you divide the fraction (the less significant number) by the total (the more excellent value). Then, you multiply the outcome by 100. You will get the percentage number in the range of 0 to 100. In the example above, if you have 50 apples and would like to know the proportion of red and that 20 are red, multiply 20 times 50, resulting in 0.4. Then multiply that by 100 to obtain 40 percent.
What is the significance of percentages?
Percentages can be used in many different situations, ranging from calculating discounts and tax rates to tracking the changes in prices of stocks and other economic indicators. Knowing how percentages function can aid you in making better decision-making in various fields, from personal finance to business management.