15 Percent Of What Number Is 60

15 Percent of What Number is 60? Solving Percentage Problems

Finding out what number 60 represents 15% of involves understanding and applying the principles of percentages. This seemingly simple problem is a fundamental concept in mathematics with applications in various fields, from calculating discounts to determining statistical proportions. This article will guide you through the solution, explaining the process step-by-step and offering additional context for solving similar percentage problems.

Understanding the Problem:

The core of the problem lies in translating the phrase "15 percent of what number is 60" into a mathematical equation. We can represent this as:

15% * x = 60

Where 'x' is the unknown number we need to find.

Method 1: Using the Equation

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: 15% is equivalent to 0.15 (divide the percentage by 100).

2. Rewrite the equation: Our equation now becomes: 0.15 * x = 60

3. Solve for x: To isolate 'x', divide both sides of the equation by 0.15:

   x = 60 / 0.15

4. Calculate the result: Performing the division, we find:

   x = 400

Therefore, 60 is 15% of 400.

Method 2: Using Proportions

Another way to approach this problem is by setting up a proportion. We can represent the problem as a ratio:

15/100 = 60/x

This states that 15 is to 100 as 60 is to x.

To solve this proportion, we can cross-multiply:

15 * x = 60 * 100

15x = 6000

Now, divide both sides by 15:

x = 6000 / 15

x = 400

Again, we arrive at the solution: 60 is 15% of 400.

Practical Applications and Extensions:

Understanding how to solve percentage problems like this is crucial in many real-world scenarios. Consider these examples:

• Discounts: A store offers a 15% discount on an item, and you save $60. This calculation helps determine the original price of the item.
• Sales figures: If 15% of your total sales represent $60, you can calculate your total sales for a given period.
• Statistical analysis: Percentage calculations are fundamental in analyzing data and understanding proportions within datasets.

Further Exploration:

This problem can be adapted to different percentages and values. The methods outlined above remain applicable regardless of the specific numbers involved. Practicing with various problems will solidify your understanding of percentage calculations and their applications. Try changing the percentage or the resulting value (60) and solve for the unknown variable to further improve your skills. Remember the core principle: converting percentages to decimals is a crucial first step in solving these types of equations.