Percent of a Number The first step in calculating the percent of numbers is to change the percent to a decimal.
When you see the word"of" in word problems, that signals multiplication, so take the decimal and multiply by the number.
Example: Find 25% of $60.
.25 x 60 =$15
By changing the percent to a decimal and translating the word "of" to multiplication we have a simple solution.
Example: Find 40% of $30.
.40 x 30 = $12
Sales Price & Discount
A suit is regularly priced at $120, and it is marked 20% off the regular price. What is the new price for the suit?
Follow the previous examples and begin by taking 20% of $120.
20% of $120 = .20 x 120 = $24.00
We call $24 the discount.
We calculate the sales price by taking the regular price $120 and subtracting the discount $24…
$120 – $24 = $96
The sales price and cost of the dress is therefore $96.
When you see the word"of" in word problems, that signals multiplication, so take the decimal and multiply by the number.
Example: Find 25% of $60.
.25 x 60 =$15
By changing the percent to a decimal and translating the word "of" to multiplication we have a simple solution.
Example: Find 40% of $30.
.40 x 30 = $12
Sales Price & Discount
A suit is regularly priced at $120, and it is marked 20% off the regular price. What is the new price for the suit?
Follow the previous examples and begin by taking 20% of $120.
20% of $120 = .20 x 120 = $24.00
We call $24 the discount.
We calculate the sales price by taking the regular price $120 and subtracting the discount $24…
$120 – $24 = $96
The sales price and cost of the dress is therefore $96.