Find what percent one number is of another: word problems

Learning Objectives Identify the 'part' and 'whole' numbers in word problems involving percentages. Translate word problems into a percent proportion or a percent equation to find an unknown percentage. Solve for the unknown percentage using algebraic methods (proportions or equations). Accurately convert decimal answers to percentages and express them with the correct symbol. Solve real-world word problems that require finding what percent one number is of another. Interpret and communicate percentage answers in the context of the original word problem. Ever wonder how stores calculate discounts or how much of your phone battery is left? 🔋 These are all about percentages! In this lesson, you'll learn how to figure out what percentage one number re...

TermDefinitionExample PercentA ratio that compares a number to 100. 'Per cent' literally means 'per hundred' or 'out of 100'.25% means 25 out of 100, which can be written as the fraction \frac{25}{100} or the decimal 0.25. RatioA comparison of two numbers by division. Ratios can be written as a fraction, with a colon, or with the word 'to'.If there are 3 red apples and 5 green apples, the ratio of red to green is 3:5, 3 to 5, or \frac{3}{5}. ProportionAn equation stating that two ratios are equal.\frac{1}{2} = \frac{50}{100} is a proportion because both ratios represent the same value. PartThe number that represents a portion or a specific amount of the whole. It's the amount being compared.In the question 'What percent is 15 of 60?',...

Percent Proportion \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}} = \frac{\text{Percent}}{100} Use this proportion to find an unknown part, whole, or percent when two of the three values are known. The 'Percent' value in the numerator is the number *before* the percent sign (e.g., if it's 25%, you use 25). Percent Equation \text{Part} = \text{Percent (as a decimal)} \times \text{Whole} This equation directly relates the part, whole, and percent. Remember to convert the percent to its decimal form (divide by 100) before multiplying. When solving for the percent, your answer will be a decimal that you then convert to a percent. Converting Decimal to Percent \text{Decimal} \times 100\% To change a decimal to a percent, multiply the decimal by 100 and add the percent sy...