What Percent Of 96 Is 72

What Percent of 96 is 72? A Simple Percentage Calculation Explained

Finding what percentage one number represents of another is a common mathematical task, useful in various situations from calculating discounts to understanding test scores. This article will walk you through how to determine what percent of 96 is 72, explaining the process step-by-step and offering alternative methods. This is a great example to illustrate basic percentage calculations, and we'll also look at some practical applications.

Understanding the Problem:

The question "What percent of 96 is 72?" essentially asks us to find the fraction 72/96 and express it as a percentage. A percentage is simply a fraction expressed as parts per hundred.

Method 1: Using a Proportion

This is a classic and intuitive method. We can set up a proportion:

• x/100 = 72/96

Where 'x' represents the percentage we're trying to find. To solve for x, we cross-multiply:

• 96x = 7200

Then, we divide both sides by 96:

• x = 7200 / 96 = 75

Therefore, 72 is 75% of 96.

Method 2: Converting to a Decimal and Multiplying by 100

This method involves first finding the decimal equivalent of the fraction 72/96:

• 72 ÷ 96 = 0.75

Then, multiply the decimal by 100 to convert it to a percentage:

• 0.75 x 100 = 75%

This confirms our result from the previous method.

Method 3: Simplifying the Fraction

Before converting to a percentage, we can simplify the fraction 72/96:

• Both 72 and 96 are divisible by 24. Simplifying gives us 3/4.

Converting 3/4 to a percentage is straightforward:

• 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
• 0.75 x 100 = 75%

Practical Applications:

Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in many real-world scenarios:

• Discounts: If an item originally costs $96 and is on sale for $72, the discount is 75%.
• Test Scores: If you answered 72 questions correctly out of 96, your score is 75%.
• Financial Calculations: Percentage calculations are essential in determining interest rates, profits, and losses.
• Data Analysis: Representing data as percentages often makes it easier to understand and compare.

Conclusion:

We've explored three different methods to determine that 72 is 75% of 96. Each method demonstrates a different approach to solving percentage problems, allowing you to choose the method most comfortable and efficient for you. Remember that understanding percentage calculations is a valuable skill with applications across numerous fields. By mastering these techniques, you can confidently tackle various percentage-related problems in your daily life and work.