If you sit in a shopping mall long enough, it is almost a certainty that you will hear someone say, "What is 25% of $60 or what is 40% of $30?"

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

We can now discuss sales price and 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.

This classic lawnmower costs $85.

What is its sale price?

 

$

 

The new CD from Atomic Fish is called 33% Solution.

 

If the solution was made up of 1800 ml, how many milliliters would constitute 33%?

 
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