Find what percent one number is of another: word problems

Learning Objectives Identify the 'part' and the 'whole' in a percentage word problem. Set up a proportion or an equation to represent 'what percent one number is of another'. Solve for the unknown percentage using algebraic methods. Convert fractions or decimals to percentages correctly. Apply the concept of finding a percentage to solve real-world word problems. Interpret the calculated percentage in the context of the original word problem. Ever wonder how stores calculate discounts, or how your test scores are converted to percentages? 🤔 Understanding percentages helps us make sense of numbers all around us! In this lesson, you'll learn how to determine what percentage one number represents of another. This fundamental skill is crucial...

TermDefinitionExample PercentA ratio that compares a number to 100. The word 'percent' means 'per hundred' or 'out of one hundred'. It is denoted by the symbol '%'.If 25% of students chose pizza, it means 25 out of every 100 students chose pizza. PartIn a percentage problem, the 'part' is the specific amount or quantity being compared to the total or whole.In 'What percent of 50 is 10?', 10 is the part. Whole (Base)In a percentage problem, the 'whole' (also called the base) is the total amount or the entire quantity to which the part is being compared.In 'What percent of 50 is 10?', 50 is the whole. RatioA comparison of two quantities by division. Ratios can be written as a fraction, with a colon, or with the...

The Percent Proportion $\frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}} = \frac{\text{Percent}}{100}$ This proportion is a versatile tool for solving all types of percentage problems. To find what percent one number is of another, you'll know the 'Part' and the 'Whole', and you'll solve for 'Percent'. The Percent Equation $\text{Part} = \text{Percent (as a decimal)} \times \text{Whole}$ This equation directly relates the part, whole, and percent. To find the percent, you can rearrange it to $\text{Percent (as a decimal)} = \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}}$. Remember to multiply the decimal by 100 to express it as a percentage.