Percentages are a fundamental concept used across various fields, and HOW.EDU.VN provides expert guidance to master them. This article offers a detailed exploration of percentages, covering their definition, formulas, and practical applications, helping you enhance your quantitative reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities. Learn how to calculate percentages, understand percentage differences, and analyze percentage changes with clarity and precision.
1. Understanding the Basics of Percentages
Percentages are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from calculating discounts at the store to understanding financial reports. Mastering percentages is crucial for making informed decisions and solving practical problems. This section delves into the core definition of percentages and their significance.
1.1. Defining Percentages
In mathematics, a percentage represents a fraction or ratio expressed as a portion of 100. It’s a dimensionless way to show the relationship between two numbers, similar to ratios, fractions, and decimals. The percentage symbol “%” is typically placed after the number, though “percent” or “pct” can also be used. For example, 35% is equivalent to 0.35 in decimal form or the fraction .
Percentages are calculated by multiplying a ratio’s value by 100. For instance, if 25 out of 50 students in a classroom are male, the ratio is . Thus, the ratio’s value is 0.5, and multiplying it by 100 yields:
- 5 × 100 = 50
This means 50% of the students in the classroom are male.
1.2. The Importance of Understanding Percentages
Percentages are essential for various reasons:
- Daily Life: From calculating discounts and sales tax to understanding interest rates and investment returns, percentages are a fundamental part of financial literacy.
- Business and Finance: Businesses use percentages to calculate profit margins, growth rates, and market shares. Financial analysts rely on percentages to evaluate investment performance and assess risk.
- Science and Statistics: Researchers use percentages to analyze data, present findings, and draw conclusions. Percentages help to standardize data, making it easier to compare different sets of information.
- Education: Understanding percentages is crucial for academic success, particularly in math and science courses.
2. Core Formulas for Percentage Calculations
Mastering percentage calculations requires understanding and applying key formulas. This section provides a detailed look at the fundamental formulas for calculating percentages, along with examples to illustrate their use.
2.1. The Basic Percentage Formula
The basic percentage formula is an algebraic equation that relates three values: the percentage (P), the first value (V1), and the result (V2). The formula is:
P × V1 = V2
Where:
- P is the percentage (in decimal form when calculating V2 or V1).
- V1 is the initial value or the base.
- V2 is the result of applying the percentage to V1.
To find the percentage (P) when V1 and V2 are known, rearrange the formula as follows:
P = (V2 / V1) × 100
This formula is crucial for determining what percentage one number is of another.
Example:
Suppose you want to find what percentage 1.5 is of 30. Using the formula:
P = (1.5 / 30) × 100 = 0.05 × 100 = 5%
Therefore, 1.5 is 5% of 30.
Practical Application:
This formula is used in various scenarios, such as calculating the percentage of correct answers on a test or determining the sales tax rate.
2.2. Finding a Percentage of a Given Value
To find a percentage of a given value, you use the basic percentage formula but solve for V2:
V2 = P × V1
Example:
Calculate 20% of 500:
V2 = 0.20 × 500 = 100
Thus, 20% of 500 is 100.
Practical Application:
This formula is widely used in retail to calculate discounts. For instance, if an item is 30% off, you can use this formula to find the amount of the discount.
2.3. Determining the Original Value Before Percentage Application
To find the original value (V1) when you know the percentage (P) and the result (V2), rearrange the basic percentage formula as follows:
V1 = V2 / P
Example:
If 15% of a number is 45, what is the original number?
V1 = 45 / 0.15 = 300
Therefore, the original number is 300.
Practical Application:
This formula is used in finance to determine the principal amount of a loan when you know the interest amount and the interest rate.
3. Percentage Difference: Calculation and Interpretation
Understanding the percentage difference between two values is essential in various contexts, from analyzing business performance to comparing statistical data. This section provides a detailed explanation of how to calculate percentage difference and interpret its meaning.
3.1. The Percentage Difference Formula
The percentage difference between two values is calculated by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the numbers by the average of those numbers. The formula is:
| Percentage Difference = | | |V1 – V2| | |—|—| | (V1 + V2)/2 | | × 100 |
|—|—|
Where:
- V1 and V2 are the two values being compared.
- The vertical bars | | denote the absolute value, ensuring the result is always positive.
Example:
Find the percentage difference between 10 and 6:
| Percentage Difference = | | |10 – 6| | |—|—| | (10 + 6)/2 | | = | | 4 | |—|—|—| | 8 | | = 0.5 = 50% |
|—|—|
Thus, the percentage difference between 10 and 6 is 50%.
3.2. Interpreting Percentage Difference
The percentage difference indicates the relative difference between two values. It is particularly useful when comparing two numbers where neither is inherently a base or starting point.
Applications:
- Business Analysis: Comparing sales figures between two months to assess performance.
- Scientific Research: Evaluating differences in experimental results between two groups.
- Economics: Analyzing differences in economic indicators between two countries.
3.3. Percentage Difference vs. Percentage Change
It’s important to distinguish between percentage difference and percentage change. Percentage difference is used when comparing two numbers without specifying a direction of change, while percentage change is used when there is a clear initial and final value.
4. Percentage Change: Increase and Decrease
Percentage change is a critical concept for analyzing trends and performance over time. This section focuses on calculating and understanding percentage increases and decreases.
4.1. The Percentage Change Formula
Percentage change is calculated by finding the difference between two values, dividing that difference by the initial value, and then multiplying by 100 to express the result as a percentage. The formula is:
| Percentage Change = | | (Final Value – Initial Value) | | |—|—| | Initial Value | | × 100 |
|—|—|
- If the result is positive, it indicates a percentage increase.
- If the result is negative, it indicates a percentage decrease.
4.2. Calculating Percentage Increase
Percentage increase is used to determine how much a value has grown over time.
Example:
If a company’s revenue increased from $500,000 to $750,000, the percentage increase is:
| Percentage Increase = | | (750,000 – 500,000) | | |—|—| | 500,000 | | × 100 = | | 250,000 | | |—|—| | 500,000 | | × 100 = 0.5 × 100 = 50% |
|—|—|
Therefore, the company’s revenue increased by 50%.
Applications:
- Sales Growth: Measuring the increase in sales over a specific period.
- Investment Returns: Calculating the percentage gain on an investment.
- Population Growth: Determining the increase in population size.
4.3. Calculating Percentage Decrease
Percentage decrease is used to determine how much a value has declined over time.
Example:
If the price of a product decreased from $100 to $80, the percentage decrease is:
| Percentage Decrease = | | (80 – 100) | | |—|—| | 100 | | × 100 = | | -20 | | |—|—| | 100 | | × 100 = -0.2 × 100 = -20% |
|—|—|
Therefore, the price of the product decreased by 20%.
Applications:
- Price Reductions: Measuring the decrease in the price of goods or services.
- Inventory Reduction: Calculating the decrease in inventory levels.
- Economic Downturn: Determining the decrease in economic activity.
4.4. Practical Examples of Percentage Increase and Decrease
Example 1: Stock Market
Suppose you bought a stock for $50 per share, and its value increased to $75 per share. The percentage increase is:
| Percentage Increase = | | (75 – 50) | | |—|—| | 50 | | × 100 = | | 25 | | |—|—| | 50 | | × 100 = 0.5 × 100 = 50% |
|—|—|
Your stock investment increased by 50%.
Example 2: Retail Discount
A store offers a 25% discount on a shirt originally priced at $40. The discounted price is:
Discount Amount = 0.25 × 40 = $10
New Price = 40 – 10 = $30
The shirt now costs $30 after the 25% discount.
4.5. Calculating Percentage Change with Initial and Final Values
Understanding how to calculate percentage change with both initial and final values is crucial for many applications. For instance, consider a scenario where a company’s revenue increases from $1 million to $1.5 million over a year.
The percentage change can be calculated as follows:
| Percentage Change = | | (1,500,000 – 1,000,000) | | |—|—| | 1,000,000 | | × 100 = 50% |
|—|—|
This indicates a 50% increase in revenue.
Real-World Application: E-commerce Sales Analysis
An e-commerce business can use percentage change to analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. For example, if a marketing campaign increases website traffic from 10,000 to 15,000 visitors, the percentage change is:
| Percentage Change = | | (15,000 – 10,000) | | |—|—| | 10,000 | | × 100 = 50% |
|—|—|
This shows a 50% increase in website traffic, which can be attributed to the marketing campaign.
5. Advanced Applications of Percentages
Beyond basic calculations, percentages are used in more complex scenarios across various fields. This section explores advanced applications of percentages, including compound interest and statistical analysis.
5.1. Compound Interest
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all of the accumulated interest from previous periods. It is a powerful concept in finance, as it allows investments to grow exponentially over time. The formula for compound interest is:
A = P (1 + r/n)^(nt)
Where:
- A is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest.
- P is the principal amount (the initial amount of money).
- r is the annual interest rate (in decimal form).
- n is the number of times that interest is compounded per year.
- t is the number of years the money is invested or borrowed for.
Example:
Suppose you invest $10,000 in an account that pays 5% annual interest compounded annually. After 10 years, the amount you would have is:
A = 10,000 (1 + 0.05/1)^(1*10) = 10,000 (1.05)^10 = $16,288.95
The compound interest earned over 10 years is $6,288.95.
Practical Application:
Understanding compound interest is crucial for making informed investment decisions and planning for retirement.
5.2. Statistical Analysis
Percentages are widely used in statistical analysis to present and interpret data. They allow for easy comparison of different data sets and provide insights into trends and patterns.
Example: Market Share
A company’s market share is often expressed as a percentage of the total market. If a company has $5 million in sales in a market with total sales of $20 million, its market share is:
Market Share = (5,000,000 / 20,000,000) × 100 = 25%
The company has a 25% market share.
Practical Application:
Businesses use market share data to assess their competitive position and identify opportunities for growth.
5.3. Error Analysis
In scientific and engineering fields, percentages are used to quantify errors and uncertainties in measurements and calculations. The percentage error is calculated as:
| Percentage Error = | | (Experimental Value – Theoretical Value) | | |—|—| | Theoretical Value | | × 100 |
|—|—|
Example:
If the theoretical value of a measurement is 100, and the experimental value is 95, the percentage error is:
| Percentage Error = | | (95 – 100) | | |—|—| | 100 | | × 100 = | | -5 | | |—|—| | 100 | | × 100 = 5% |
|—|—|
The percentage error is 5%.
Practical Application:
Engineers and scientists use percentage error to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of their measurements and calculations.
5.4. Trend Analysis and Forecasting
Percentages play a vital role in trend analysis and forecasting across various sectors. By examining percentage changes over time, analysts can identify significant trends and make informed predictions about future performance.
Economic Forecasting:
Economists use percentage changes in key economic indicators, such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment rates, to forecast future economic conditions. For instance, if a country’s GDP grows by 3% annually, economists can use this trend to predict future growth and advise policymakers on appropriate fiscal and monetary policies.
Retail Sales Forecasting:
Retail businesses analyze percentage changes in sales data to forecast future demand and optimize inventory management. For example, if a retailer sees a 10% increase in sales during the holiday season each year, they can use this trend to forecast sales for the upcoming holiday season and adjust their inventory levels accordingly.
Financial Market Analysis:
Financial analysts use percentage changes in stock prices, interest rates, and other market indicators to forecast future market trends and make investment recommendations. For example, a consistent 5% annual increase in a stock’s price might indicate a strong growth trend, attracting more investors.
Demographic Trends:
Demographers analyze percentage changes in population growth, age distribution, and other demographic factors to forecast future population trends and plan for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For example, a rising percentage of elderly citizens may prompt increased investment in healthcare facilities and retirement services.
5.5. Statistical Significance in Research
In scientific research, percentages are used to express the statistical significance of findings, helping researchers determine whether their results are meaningful or simply due to chance.
Hypothesis Testing:
Researchers use percentages to express the confidence level of their findings. For instance, a study might report that a new drug is effective with 95% confidence, meaning there is only a 5% chance that the results are due to random variation. This level of statistical significance helps validate the effectiveness of the drug.
A/B Testing in Marketing:
Marketers use A/B testing to compare the performance of different versions of advertisements or website designs. They analyze the percentage change in click-through rates or conversion rates to determine which version performs better. For example, if a new ad design increases click-through rates by 15% with a 99% confidence level, the marketing team can confidently adopt the new design.
Clinical Trials:
In clinical trials, researchers use percentages to express the effectiveness of a new treatment compared to a placebo or standard treatment. For example, if a new treatment reduces the risk of a disease by 30% with a statistically significant p-value, it provides strong evidence of the treatment’s effectiveness.
Quality Control in Manufacturing:
Manufacturers use percentages to monitor and control the quality of their products. They track the percentage of defective items in a production batch to identify and address any issues in the manufacturing process. A consistently low percentage of defects indicates a high level of quality control.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Percentages
Working with percentages can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. This section highlights common errors to avoid when calculating and interpreting percentages.
6.1. Confusing Percentage Difference and Percentage Change
One of the most common mistakes is confusing percentage difference with percentage change. Remember that percentage difference is used to compare two values without specifying a direction of change, while percentage change is used when there is a clear initial and final value.
Example:
If a company’s sales increased from $100,000 to $120,000, it’s incorrect to say the percentage difference is 20%. Instead, the correct term is percentage change, which is 20%.
6.2. Forgetting to Convert Percentages to Decimals
When using percentages in calculations, it’s crucial to convert them to decimal form first. Failing to do so can lead to significant errors.
Example:
To calculate 15% of 300, you must first convert 15% to 0.15. Then, multiply 0.15 by 300 to get 45.
6.3. Misinterpreting Percentage Increases and Decreases
Another common mistake is misinterpreting the base value when calculating percentage increases and decreases. Always make sure you are using the correct initial value as the base.
Example:
If a product’s price increases by 20% and then decreases by 20%, the final price will not be the same as the original price. This is because the 20% decrease is calculated based on the increased price, not the original price.
6.4. Ignoring the Context of the Problem
It’s essential to consider the context of the problem when working with percentages. A percentage can have different meanings depending on the situation.
Example:
A 10% increase in sales may be significant for a small business but negligible for a large corporation.
6.5. Rounding Errors
Rounding errors can accumulate and lead to significant discrepancies, especially in complex calculations. When dealing with percentages, it is crucial to minimize rounding errors by keeping intermediate calculations to as many decimal places as possible and rounding only the final result.
Real-World Impact: Financial Miscalculations
In financial calculations, even small rounding errors can have substantial effects over time, particularly in compound interest calculations. For instance, if interest rates or investment returns are consistently rounded to fewer decimal places than necessary, the cumulative effect over several years can result in notable differences in the final investment value.
Scientific Research:
In scientific experiments, rounding errors can affect the precision and reliability of results. If experimental data, such as measurements of physical quantities, are rounded prematurely, it can lead to misinterpretations and inaccurate conclusions.
Engineering Projects:
In engineering, precision is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of structures and systems. Rounding errors in structural calculations can lead to designs that are either over-engineered (resulting in unnecessary costs) or under-engineered (posing safety risks).
Business Analytics:
In business analytics, rounding errors can distort the accuracy of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, leading to flawed decision-making. For example, rounding sales data or customer metrics to whole numbers can obscure small but significant trends and patterns.
7. Practical Tools for Calculating Percentages
Calculating percentages accurately and efficiently is essential in many areas of life. Fortunately, several tools are available to simplify these calculations, ranging from online calculators to spreadsheet software and mobile apps. This section explores the most practical and reliable tools for working with percentages.
7.1. Online Percentage Calculators
Online percentage calculators are convenient and accessible tools for performing basic and complex percentage calculations. These calculators typically offer a range of functions, including finding the percentage of a number, calculating percentage increase or decrease, and determining percentage difference.
HOW.EDU.VN Percentage Calculator
HOW.EDU.VN provides a user-friendly percentage calculator that allows users to input two values and quickly calculate the third value. This tool is particularly useful for students, professionals, and anyone needing quick and accurate percentage calculations.
Key Features of Online Calculators:
- Ease of Use: Online calculators are designed with intuitive interfaces, making them easy for anyone to use, regardless of their mathematical skills.
- Versatility: These tools often include various functions, such as calculating percentages, percentage increases, percentage decreases, and percentage differences.
- Accessibility: Online calculators are accessible from any device with an internet connection, making them convenient for on-the-go calculations.
7.2. Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets offers powerful tools for calculating percentages and performing more complex statistical analysis. These programs allow users to create formulas, analyze data sets, and visualize results in charts and graphs.
Using Excel for Percentage Calculations:
Excel uses formulas to perform calculations. To calculate a percentage, you can use the following formulas:
- Percentage of a Number: = (Part / Whole) * 100
- Percentage Increase: = ((New Value – Old Value) / Old Value) * 100
- Percentage Decrease: = ((Old Value – New Value) / Old Value) * 100
Example: Calculating Percentage Change in Excel
Suppose you have sales data for two months in an Excel sheet. Month 1 sales are in cell A2 ($50,000), and Month 2 sales are in cell B2 ($60,000). To calculate the percentage change, you would enter the following formula in cell C2:
=((B2-A2)/A2)*100
This formula calculates the percentage change and displays it in cell C2.
7.3. Mobile Apps for Percentage Calculations
Mobile apps provide another convenient way to calculate percentages, especially when you are on the move. Numerous percentage calculator apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, offering a range of features and functionalities.
Benefits of Using Mobile Apps:
- Portability: Mobile apps allow you to perform calculations anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Specialized Features: Some apps offer advanced features, such as calculating tips, discounts, and VAT, tailored to specific situations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Mobile apps are designed with intuitive interfaces, making them easy to use on smaller screens.
7.4. Scientific Calculators
Scientific calculators are essential tools for students and professionals in science, engineering, and mathematics. These calculators offer a wide range of functions, including percentage calculations, statistical analysis, and advanced mathematical operations.
Key Features of Scientific Calculators:
- Advanced Functions: Scientific calculators can perform complex calculations, such as trigonometric functions, logarithms, and statistical analysis.
- Memory Functions: These calculators have memory functions that allow you to store and recall values, making it easier to work with complex formulas.
- Accuracy: Scientific calculators provide highly accurate results, ensuring precision in your calculations.
7.5. Comparison of Tools
| Tool | Ease of Use | Versatility | Accessibility | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Percentage Calculators | High | Medium | High | Free | Quick, simple calculations |
| Spreadsheet Software | Medium | High | Medium | Paid (often) | Data analysis, complex calculations, creating reports |
| Mobile Apps | High | Medium | High | Free or Paid | On-the-go calculations, specific tasks (e.g., tip calculation) |
| Scientific Calculators | Medium | High | Medium | Paid | Students and professionals in science and engineering |
8. Real-World Applications of Percentage Expertise
Mastering percentage calculations is not just an academic exercise; it has numerous real-world applications that can significantly impact personal and professional success. This section explores how percentage expertise can be applied in various fields.
8.1. Personal Finance
Understanding percentages is crucial for managing personal finances effectively. Whether you’re budgeting, saving, investing, or taking out a loan, percentages play a key role in making informed decisions.
Budgeting:
Percentages help you allocate your income effectively. For example, you can use percentages to determine how much of your income should be allocated to housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
Saving:
Understanding interest rates, which are expressed as percentages, is essential for maximizing your savings. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or a vacation, knowing how interest rates work can help you choose the best savings accounts and investment options.
Investing:
Percentages are used to calculate investment returns, assess risk, and compare different investment options. Understanding percentage gains and losses is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
Loans:
When taking out a loan, whether it’s a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan, understanding interest rates and repayment schedules is essential. Percentages help you calculate the total cost of the loan and compare different loan options.
8.2. Business and Entrepreneurship
For business owners and entrepreneurs, percentage expertise is essential for making strategic decisions, managing finances, and growing their businesses.
Pricing Strategies:
Percentages are used to calculate markups, discounts, and profit margins. Understanding how these percentages impact your bottom line is crucial for setting competitive prices and maximizing profits.
Financial Analysis:
Businesses use percentages to analyze financial statements, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and assess their overall financial health. Understanding percentage changes in revenue, expenses, and profits can help identify trends and make informed decisions.
Marketing and Sales:
Percentages are used to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, track sales performance, and analyze customer behavior. Understanding conversion rates, click-through rates, and customer retention rates can help optimize marketing strategies and increase sales.
8.3. Healthcare
In healthcare, percentages are used to analyze data, assess risk, and communicate information to patients and healthcare professionals.
Medical Statistics:
Percentages are used to express the prevalence of diseases, the effectiveness of treatments, and the outcomes of clinical trials. Understanding these statistics is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare policies and practices.
Risk Assessment:
Percentages are used to assess the risk of developing certain diseases, the likelihood of complications from medical procedures, and the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Patient Communication:
Percentages can be used to communicate information to patients in a clear and understandable way. For example, a doctor might explain that a patient has a 90% chance of recovering from a certain illness with treatment.
8.4. Science and Engineering
Percentages are used extensively in science and engineering for data analysis, error analysis, and quality control.
Data Analysis:
Percentages are used to express the results of experiments, analyze data sets, and draw conclusions. Understanding percentages is crucial for interpreting scientific findings and making informed decisions.
Error Analysis:
Percentages are used to quantify errors and uncertainties in measurements and calculations. This is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of scientific and engineering results.
Quality Control:
Percentages are used to monitor and control the quality of products and processes. This is essential for ensuring that products meet required standards and that processes are operating efficiently.
8.5. Economics and Finance
In economics and finance, percentages are used to analyze economic trends, assess financial performance, and make investment decisions.
Economic Indicators:
Percentages are used to express key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment rates. Understanding these indicators is crucial for making informed decisions about economic policy.
Financial Performance:
Percentages are used to analyze the financial performance of companies and investments. This includes calculating return on investment (ROI), profit margins, and debt-to-equity ratios.
Investment Decisions:
Percentages are used to assess risk, evaluate investment opportunities, and make informed decisions about asset allocation.
9. Seeking Expert Advice on Percentage-Related Issues
While understanding the basics of percentages and using practical tools can help solve many problems, complex situations often require expert advice. Consulting professionals who specialize in fields like finance, statistics, and business can provide valuable insights and solutions tailored to specific needs.
9.1. Identifying When to Seek Professional Help
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Here are some situations where expert advice is highly beneficial:
- Complex Financial Decisions: When dealing with significant investments, retirement planning, or tax strategies, consulting a financial advisor can provide clarity and optimize your financial outcomes.
- Business Planning and Strategy: Entrepreneurs and business owners can benefit from consulting business strategists or financial analysts to develop effective plans and manage financial risks.
- Statistical Analysis in Research: Researchers often need assistance from statisticians to ensure their data analysis is accurate and meaningful, especially in complex studies.
- Healthcare Risk Assessment: Patients can seek advice from healthcare professionals to understand and assess health risks expressed in percentages, allowing for informed decisions about treatment and prevention.
9.2. The Value of Expert Consultation
Consulting experts offers several advantages:
- Accurate Analysis: Professionals provide accurate and reliable analysis, reducing the risk of errors and misinterpretations.
- Tailored Solutions: Experts offer customized solutions that address specific needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Informed Decision-Making: Professional advice empowers individuals and businesses to make informed decisions based on sound analysis and expert insights.
- Risk Management: Experts help identify and manage potential risks, minimizing negative impacts and maximizing opportunities.
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10. FAQs About Doing Percentages
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about percentage calculations, formulas, and applications.
10.1. What is a percentage?
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. It is often denoted by the symbol “%” and is used to represent a proportion or ratio.
10.2. How do I calculate the percentage of a number?
To calculate the percentage of a number, divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100.
| Percentage = | | (Part / Whole) | | × 100 |
|—|—|
Example: What is 30% of 500?
| Answer = | | (30 / 100) | | × 500 = 150 |
|—|—|
10.3. How do I calculate percentage increase?
To calculate percentage increase, subtract the original value from the new value, divide by the original value, and multiply by 100.
| Percentage Increase = | | ((New Value – Original Value) / Original Value) | | × 100 |
|—|—|
Example: If a price increases from $20 to $25, what is the percentage increase?
| Answer = | | ((25 – 20) / 20) | | × 100 = 25% |
|—|—|
10.4. How do I calculate percentage decrease?
To calculate percentage decrease, subtract the new value from the original value, divide by the original value, and multiply by 100.
| Percentage Decrease = | | ((Original Value – New Value) / Original Value) | | × 100 |
|—|—|
Example: If a price decreases from $20 to $15, what is the percentage decrease?
| Answer = | | ((20 – 15) / 20) | | × 100 = 25% |
|—|—|
