What Is 85 Percent Of 120

What is 85 Percent of 120? A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding percentages is a fundamental math skill with applications in various fields, from calculating discounts and taxes to understanding statistical data and financial reports. This article will guide you through calculating 85% of 120, explaining the process step-by-step and offering alternative methods for solving similar percentage problems. Understanding this calculation will help you confidently tackle other percentage-based questions.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction of 100. When we say "85 percent," we mean 85 out of 100, or 85/100. To find a percentage of a number, we essentially multiply the number by the percentage expressed as a decimal or fraction.

Method 1: Using Decimal Conversion

This is the most common method for calculating percentages. We first convert the percentage (85%) into a decimal by dividing it by 100:

85% = 85 / 100 = 0.85

Next, we multiply this decimal by the number we want to find the percentage of (120):

0.85 * 120 = 102

Therefore, 85% of 120 is 102.

Method 2: Using Fraction Conversion

We can also convert the percentage into a fraction:

85% = 85/100

This fraction can be simplified:

85/100 = 17/20

Now, we multiply this fraction by 120:

(17/20) * 120 = 17 * (120/20) = 17 * 6 = 102

Again, we find that 85% of 120 is 102.

Method 3: Using Proportion

A proportion sets up an equivalent relationship between two ratios. We can represent the problem as:

85/100 = x/120

To solve for x (which represents 85% of 120), we cross-multiply:

100x = 85 * 120 100x = 10200 x = 10200 / 100 x = 102

Once more, we arrive at the answer: 85% of 120 is 102.

Real-World Applications

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in many everyday situations. For example:

• Sales and discounts: Calculating the price after a discount.
• Taxes: Determining the amount of tax payable.
• Tips and gratuities: Figuring out how much tip to leave at a restaurant.
• Financial analysis: Interpreting financial statements and growth percentages.
• Statistical analysis: Understanding proportions and distributions in data sets.

This article has provided three different methods for calculating 85% of 120, all leading to the same correct answer: 102. Choosing the method that best suits your understanding and the specific problem at hand will allow you to confidently and accurately calculate percentages in various contexts. Remember to practice regularly to strengthen your understanding of this fundamental mathematical concept.