85% of 20 is what? how do you solve this? please show work
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To find 85% of 20, you can use the following steps:
Step 1: Understand what percentage means
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. Therefore, 85% means 85 out of 100, or 85/100.
Step 2: Convert the percentage to a decimal
To make calculations easier, convert the percentage to a decimal. To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide it by 100:
[
85\% = \frac{85}{100} = 0.85
]
Step 3: Multiply the decimal by the number
Now that we have the decimal equivalent of 85%, we can multiply it by 20 to find 85% of 20:
[
0.85 \times 20
]
Step 4: Perform the multiplication
Carrying out the multiplication:
[
0.85 \times 20 = 17
]
Conclusion
Therefore, 85% of 20 is 17.
Explanation
Calculating percentages is a fundamental skill that can be applied in many real-world scenarios, such as determining discounts, tips, or even performance metrics. By converting a percentage into a decimal, you simplify the process, making it easier to multiply by the base number.
For instance, if you’re shopping and find an item that costs $20 with an 85% discount, you first calculate 85% of the price to know how much you would save. In this case, finding that 85% of $20 is $17 means you would save $17, leaving you with a final cost of $3 for the item.
This method of calculating percentages is applicable in various fields, from finance to education, where understanding proportions and parts of a whole is crucial. It’s also a handy skill for everyday tasks, helping you to quickly assess values and make informed decisions.