Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content
Percentage is something that we use in every aspect of our lives. From small calculations to big decisions, percentage has a significant role. Which is why it is an important topic of Mathematics. It is a chapter in itself having all types of tough calculations and it also plays a supportive part in solving Mathematical problems of other topics.
All of us have stuided percentage in school. While we solved simple percentage problems in junior classes, at higher level, we solve complicated problems. Because of its significance in all types of calculations, percentage is also a part of MBA entrance exams and competitive exams.
What is Percentages?
When we have to represent a specific amount as a fraction of another amount, we utilise the concept of 'percentage'. The percentage means percent, where 'cent' means 100, and the symbol % indicates it. This implies that when we say x% of something, we mean x per 100 or x parts per 100 parts. For example, if 55% are women in a town, then we can conclude that, out of every 100 people, 55 are women.
How To Calculate Percentage?
The simplest way to calculate the percentage is by using the formula:
Given Value/Total Value x 100
Example: Out of ten questions, if Meera answers 5 correctly, find out the % of the right answers.
Here, the given value is 5
The total value is 10
Putting the values in the above formula,
5/10x100% = 50%
But sometimes, you might get only numbers to convert into a percentage. In those cases, follow the steps given below:
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Determine if the number is a decimal number ( 0.7) or a fraction (⅖).
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If it is a decimal number like 0.7, then multiply it with 100 to convert it into a percentage. Here, 0.7x100 = 70%
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If it is a fraction like ⅖, then convert it into a decimal and then multiple 100 to it. Here, ⅖ = 0.4. So, the percentage value is 0.4x100 = 40%.
Formula to find increase or decrease percentage: Amount of change/ Original amount x 100
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Illustrative examples of Percentages to understand the application:
1. A cricket team won 10 out of the total number of matches played. If the percentage of winning was 30, how many matches did they play?
Suppose the total number of matches played be x
Given, the number of matches won = 10
Win percentage = 50
Substituting the values in the formula,
Percentage = given value/ total value x 100
We get, 10/x x 100 = 50
=> 1000 = 50x
=> x = 200
Hence, the total number of matches played was 200.
2. On Sunday, 845 people went to a zoo. On Monday only 169 people went. What is the percent decrease in the people visiting the zoo on Monday?
No. of people visiting zoo on Sunday = 845
No. of people visiting zoo on Monday = 169
No . of people decreased since = 845-169 = 676
Percentage decrease = reduced value/total value x 100
=>676/845x100 = 80%
So the percentage decrease was 80%.
3. Chalk contains calcium, carbon, and oxygen in the ratio of 10:3:12. Find the percentage of carbon in chalk.
The total part is 10+3+12 = 25.
Parts of carbon in chalk = 3
% of carbon = 3/25 x 100 = 12%
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FAQs on Percentage
Q: What is 'percentage'?
Q: What is the unit of 'percentage'?
Q: Why is 'percentage' significant?
Q: Is the calculation of percentage important in day to day life?
Q: Convert 0.75 to percentage.
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