What Percent Of 90 Is 120

What Percent of 90 is 120? Understanding Percentage Calculations

This article will guide you through calculating what percentage 120 represents of 90. It might seem counterintuitive at first – how can a number be a larger percentage of a smaller number? The answer lies in understanding the fundamental principles of percentage calculations. This article will not only provide the solution but also explain the method, allowing you to solve similar problems independently. We'll cover the formula, step-by-step calculations, and explore practical applications of percentage calculations.

Understanding the Problem

The question "What percent of 90 is 120?" asks us to find the percentage that relates 120 to 90. This involves finding a percentage greater than 100%, as 120 is larger than 90. This type of problem is frequently encountered in various fields, including finance, statistics, and everyday life. Think about calculating percentage increases in sales figures or understanding interest rates.

The Formula and Calculation

The basic percentage formula is:

(Part / Whole) * 100% = Percentage

In our case:

• Part: 120 (the value we want to express as a percentage)
• Whole: 90 (the base value we are comparing to)

Let's plug the values into the formula:

(120 / 90) * 100% = Percentage

1.333... * 100% = 133.33% (approximately)

Therefore, 120 is approximately 133.33% of 90.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Divide the part by the whole: 120 divided by 90 equals 1.333...
2. Multiply by 100: Multiply the result (1.333...) by 100 to convert the decimal to a percentage.
3. Interpret the result: The result, 133.33%, indicates that 120 is 133.33% of 90. This means 120 exceeds 90 by 33.33%.

Practical Applications of Percentage Calculations:

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial for numerous real-world scenarios, including:

• Business and Finance: Calculating profit margins, interest rates, tax rates, and investment returns.
• Statistics: Analyzing data, interpreting survey results, and understanding population growth.
• Everyday Life: Calculating discounts, tips, and understanding sales tax.

Conclusion

Calculating percentages is a fundamental mathematical skill with wide-ranging applications. By understanding the formula and applying the steps outlined above, you can confidently solve percentage problems, including those where the "part" is larger than the "whole," like determining that 120 is 133.33% of 90. Remember to practice regularly to build your proficiency and expand your problem-solving skills. This improved understanding will empower you to confidently tackle various percentage-related challenges you may encounter.