20 percent of what number is 72
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To find the number of which 20 percent is 72, we can set up an equation. Let ( x ) be the number we are trying to find. According to the problem, 20 percent of ( x ) equals 72. We can express this mathematically as:
[
0.20 \times x = 72
]
To solve for ( x ), we need to isolate it. We can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by 0.20:
[
x = \frac{72}{0.20}
]
Calculating the right side gives:
[
x = \frac{72}{0.20} = 72 \div 0.20 = 72 \div \frac{1}{5} = 72 \times 5 = 360
]
Thus, the number is 360.
Explanation:
When we refer to “20 percent,” we are talking about a fraction of a whole. The term “percent” means “per hundred,” so 20 percent can be converted to a fraction as follows:
[
20\% = \frac{20}{100} = 0.20
]
In practical terms, calculating 20 percent of a number involves multiplying that number by 0.20. For example, if we take a number like 360, we can verify our solution by calculating 20 percent of it:
[
0.20 \times 360 = 72
]
This confirms that our earlier calculations were correct.
Using percentages is a fundamental skill in mathematics and everyday life, such as calculating discounts, taxes, or understanding proportions in data analysis. The process of finding the original number from a percentage requires reversing the operation, as we demonstrated.
This method can be applied to various percentage-related problems, reinforcing the concept of proportions and enhancing numeracy skills. By understanding how to manipulate equations and work with percentages, you can tackle a wide array of mathematical challenges effectively.