What Is 15 Percent Of 1200

What is 15 Percent of 1200? A Simple Guide to Percentage Calculations

Meta Description: Learn how to calculate 15% of 1200 quickly and easily. This guide explains the method and provides practical examples to help you master percentage calculations. We cover different approaches, including using a calculator, fractions, and mental math techniques.

Finding 15% of 1200 is a common percentage calculation. Whether you're figuring out a discount, calculating tax, or working on a school assignment, understanding how to solve this type of problem is crucial. This article will walk you through several methods to determine the answer, explaining the process step-by-step.

Method 1: Using a Calculator

The simplest way to find 15% of 1200 is using a calculator. Simply multiply 1200 by 0.15.

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: 15% is equivalent to 0.15 (divide the percentage by 100).
2. Multiply: 1200 x 0.15 = 180

Therefore, 15% of 1200 is $\boxed{180}$.

Method 2: Using Fractions

Percentages can also be expressed as fractions. 15% can be written as 15/100, which simplifies to 3/20.

1. Express the percentage as a fraction: 15% = 15/100 = 3/20
2. Multiply the fraction by the number: (3/20) * 1200 = 3 * (1200/20) = 3 * 60 = 180

Again, we arrive at the answer: 15% of 1200 is $\boxed{180}$.

Method 3: Breaking Down the Calculation

For those who prefer a mental math approach, we can break down the calculation into smaller, more manageable steps.

1. Find 10%: 10% of 1200 is 120 (1200 x 0.1)
2. Find 5%: 5% is half of 10%, so 5% of 1200 is 60 (120 / 2)
3. Add the results: 10% + 5% = 15%, so 120 + 60 = 180

This method demonstrates that 15% of 1200 is $\boxed{180}$.

Practical Applications of Percentage Calculations

Understanding percentage calculations is essential in various real-life situations, including:

• Sales and Discounts: Calculating discounts on items during sales events.
• Taxes: Determining the amount of sales tax or other taxes on purchases.
• Tips: Calculating a gratuity at a restaurant.
• Finance: Understanding interest rates and loan calculations.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting data presented as percentages in reports and charts.

This guide demonstrates multiple approaches to solving the problem "What is 15 percent of 1200?". Choose the method that best suits your skills and the tools available to you. Regardless of the method used, the correct answer remains consistent: 180. Mastering percentage calculations empowers you to tackle various mathematical problems confidently and efficiently.