Name__________________________________________Date___________________________
Mathematics Problem Solving
Volume 3, Number 29, April 27, 1998
www.rhlschool.com
Percentages
A percentage can easily be converted to a decimal. Just move the decimal place two places to the left. (When you don’t see a decimal point, there really is one at the far right of the number.)
Example:
25 = 25.
25% = 25.%
25% = .25, or twenty-five hundredths.
25% of a number is the same as .25 times that number.
For example, 25% of 36 is .25 X 36!
---3 6
x .2 5
/1 8 0
/7 2 0
/9.0 0 = 9
Twenty-five percent of thirty-six is nine. Nine is twenty-five percent of thirty-six.
Examples:
42% of 100 is the same as .42 times 100.
42% of 100 = 42 because .42 X 100 = 42.
15% of 620 = 93 because .15 X 620 = 93.
Fifteen percent of six hundred twenty is ninety-three.
Ninety-three is fifteen percent of six hundred twenty.
3% of any number is .03 times that number.
8% of 200 is the same as .08 X 200. .08 X 200 = 16
Eight percent of two hundred equals sixteen.
1. Scott invited 300 kids to his birthday party. Only 19% of the kids showed up. How many kids came to the party?
2. Amy bought a notebook for $ 1.50 plus 6% sales tax. How much did she pay?
3. Ryan bought a twelve dollar flashlight that was on sale for 20% off the regular price. He handed the cashier a ten dollar bill. She gave him the correct change. How much change did he get? (Assume no sales tax.)
4. Store A has a big sale. Everything in the store is marked down, 40% off the list price. At the checkout counter, you get an additional 10% off the discounted price.
./.Store B has a big sale too. Everything is marked down 47% off the list price.
...Assuming that the merchandise and list prices are the same in both stores, which store has the better sale?
Copyright 1998 RHL