21 Is What Percent Of 24

21 is What Percent of 24? A Step-by-Step Guide to Percentage Calculations

This article will guide you through calculating what percentage 21 represents of 24. Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in various aspects of life, from calculating discounts and taxes to understanding statistics and financial data. This seemingly simple question provides an excellent opportunity to learn a fundamental mathematical concept. We'll break down the process step-by-step, making it easy to understand and apply to similar problems.

Understanding the Problem:

The question "21 is what percent of 24?" asks us to find the percentage value that represents the ratio of 21 to 24. In simpler terms, we need to determine how many parts per hundred 21 makes up of 24.

Method 1: Using a Proportion

This method utilizes the concept of proportions, which states that two ratios are equal if they represent the same relationship. We can set up a proportion as follows:

• Part/Whole = Percent/100

In this case:

• Part = 21
• Whole = 24
• Percent = x (the unknown value we want to find)

Substituting these values into the proportion gives us:

• 21/24 = x/100

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

• 21 * 100 = 24 * x
• 2100 = 24x

Now, divide both sides by 24:

• x = 2100 / 24
• x = 87.5

Therefore, 21 is 87.5% of 24.

Method 2: Using Decimal Conversion

This method involves converting the fraction 21/24 into a decimal and then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage.

1. Divide 21 by 24: 21 ÷ 24 = 0.875

2. Multiply by 100: 0.875 * 100 = 87.5

Therefore, 21 is 87.5% of 24. This method is often quicker for simple calculations.

Method 3: Using a Calculator

Most calculators have a percentage function. You can simply input "21 ÷ 24 * 100" to get the answer directly: 87.5%.

Practical Applications:

Understanding percentage calculations is vital in everyday situations. For instance:

• Discounts: If an item is originally priced at $24 and is discounted to $21, the discount is 87.5% of the original price.
• Sales Tax: If a $21 item represents 87.5% of the total price including sales tax, you can work backward to determine the amount of the sales tax.
• Financial Analysis: Percentage calculations are fundamental in analyzing financial statements, understanding profit margins, and tracking growth rates.

Conclusion:

Whether you use proportions, decimal conversions, or a calculator, the answer remains the same: 21 is 87.5% of 24. Mastering this fundamental calculation empowers you to solve various percentage-related problems with confidence. Remember to practice these methods to build your understanding and proficiency.