What Is 15 Percent Of 130

What is 15 Percent of 130? A Simple Guide to Percentage Calculations

Knowing how to calculate percentages is a fundamental skill applicable in various situations, from calculating discounts and taxes to understanding financial reports and statistics. This article will clearly explain how to find 15 percent of 130, and provide you with the method so you can easily calculate other percentages in the future. This guide will cover several approaches, ensuring you grasp the concept fully.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction of 100. For example, 15% means 15 out of 100, or 15/100. Calculating a percentage of a number involves finding that fractional part of the number.

Method 1: Using Decimal Conversion

The most straightforward method involves converting the percentage to a decimal and multiplying it by the number.

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To convert 15% to a decimal, divide it by 100: 15 ÷ 100 = 0.15

2. Multiply the decimal by the number: Multiply 0.15 by 130: 0.15 × 130 = 19.5

Therefore, 15% of 130 is 19.5.

Method 2: Using Fractions

Alternatively, you can use fractions.

1. Convert the percentage to a fraction: 15% can be written as the fraction 15/100.

2. Multiply the fraction by the number: Multiply 15/100 by 130: (15/100) × 130 = 1950/100

3. Simplify the fraction: Simplify the resulting fraction by dividing the numerator (1950) by the denominator (100): 1950 ÷ 100 = 19.5

Again, 15% of 130 is 19.5.

Method 3: Using a Calculator

Most calculators have a percentage function. Simply enter 130, press the multiplication button, enter 15, and then press the percentage button (%). The calculator will directly display the result: 19.5.

Practical Applications and Further Exploration

Understanding percentage calculations has numerous real-world applications. Consider these examples:

• Calculating discounts: If a $130 item is on sale for 15% off, you'd save $19.50.
• Determining tax amounts: If a 15% sales tax is applied to a $130 purchase, the tax would be $19.50.
• Analyzing financial data: Percentage calculations are crucial for interpreting financial statements, growth rates, and investment returns.

This knowledge empowers you to confidently tackle various percentage-related problems. Practice these methods with different numbers to reinforce your understanding and improve your calculation skills. You can explore more complex percentage problems, such as finding what percentage one number is of another, or calculating percentage increases and decreases. Mastering percentages opens doors to a greater understanding of mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.