150 Is What Percent Of 250

150 is What Percent of 250? A Simple Percentage Calculation Explained

Knowing how to calculate percentages is a fundamental skill with applications in various aspects of life, from budgeting and shopping to understanding statistics and analyzing data. This article will clearly explain how to determine what percent 150 represents of 250, providing a step-by-step guide and offering insights into the underlying mathematical principles. This will be helpful for anyone looking to improve their percentage calculation skills, whether for personal or professional use.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Percentage Calculations

Before diving into the specific calculation, let's refresh the basics. A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. The percentage symbol (%) signifies "per hundred." Therefore, calculating a percentage involves determining what portion of a whole number is represented by a given part. In this case, we want to find out what percentage 150 is of 250.

Step-by-Step Calculation: Finding the Percentage

Here's a simple three-step method to solve this problem:

Step 1: Set up the Equation

First, we set up a basic equation to represent the problem:

x/100 = 150/250

Where 'x' represents the percentage we are trying to find. This equation establishes a proportion: the ratio of the percentage to 100 is equal to the ratio of the part (150) to the whole (250).

Step 2: Solve for x

To solve for 'x', we can cross-multiply:

250x = 150 * 100

250x = 15000

Now, divide both sides of the equation by 250 to isolate 'x':

x = 15000 / 250

x = 60

Step 3: State the Answer

Therefore, 150 is 60% of 250.

Alternative Calculation Method: Using Decimal Representation

Another approach involves using decimal representation. First, divide 150 by 250:

150 / 250 = 0.6

This decimal (0.6) represents the fractional part of 250 that 150 constitutes. To convert this decimal to a percentage, multiply by 100:

0.6 * 100 = 60%

This confirms our previous result.

Practical Applications and Further Exploration

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial for various real-world scenarios. Consider these examples:

• Discounts: Calculating discounts offered on products.
• Sales Tax: Determining the amount of sales tax added to purchases.
• Interest Rates: Understanding interest earned on savings or paid on loans.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting statistical data and trends.

This simple calculation demonstrates a fundamental concept in mathematics and its application in everyday life. Mastering percentage calculations empowers you to navigate numerous situations involving proportions and ratios with greater confidence. Practice more examples to solidify your understanding and increase your proficiency in this essential skill.