What Number Is 30 Of 90

What Number is 30 of 90? Understanding Fractions, Percentages, and Ratios

This seemingly simple question, "What number is 30 of 90?", opens the door to understanding fundamental mathematical concepts like fractions, percentages, and ratios. It's more than just a simple calculation; it's a gateway to grasping how parts relate to a whole. This article will explore various ways to interpret and solve this problem, providing you with a clear understanding of the underlying principles.

What the Question Means

The question "What number is 30 of 90?" essentially asks us to determine the relationship between 30 and 90. We can express this relationship in several ways:

• As a fraction: 30 out of 90 can be written as the fraction 30/90.
• As a percentage: We can express the proportion of 30 to 90 as a percentage.
• As a ratio: The ratio of 30 to 90 can be represented as 30:90.

Calculating the Fraction and Simplifying

The fraction 30/90 represents 30 parts out of a total of 90 parts. To simplify this fraction, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 30 and 90, which is 30. Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 30, we get:

30/90 = 1/3

Therefore, 30 is one-third (1/3) of 90.

Converting the Fraction to a Percentage

To express 1/3 as a percentage, we multiply the fraction by 100%:

(1/3) * 100% = 33.33% (approximately)

So, 30 is approximately 33.33% of 90.

Understanding the Ratio

The ratio 30:90 can be simplified in the same way as the fraction. Dividing both numbers by their GCD (30), we get the simplified ratio:

30:90 = 1:3

This signifies that for every one part, there are three parts in total.

Practical Applications

Understanding these concepts has numerous practical applications. For example:

• Sales and discounts: If a product originally costs $90 and is discounted to $30, the discount is 1/3 or 33.33%
• Surveys and statistics: If 30 out of 90 people surveyed prefer a certain product, then 1/3 or 33.33% of respondents prefer that product.
• Project Management: If a project has 90 tasks and 30 are completed, 1/3 or 33.33% of the project is done.

Conclusion

The question "What number is 30 of 90?" isn't just about a simple calculation; it's a fundamental exercise in understanding fractions, percentages, and ratios. By mastering these concepts, you'll gain a stronger foundation in mathematics and be better equipped to tackle more complex problems in various fields. Remember that simplifying fractions and ratios is key to clearer understanding and easier calculations.