Calculating percentages is a fundamental math skill that we encounter in our daily lives, from determining discounts during sales to understanding interest rates on loans. One common calculation is finding 15 percent of a given number, such as 70. In this article, we'll walk through a simple step-by-step solution to calculate 15 percent of 70, ensuring that you understand the process and can apply it to similar problems.
To start, let's recall that the term "percent" means "per 100." Therefore, 15 percent can be expressed as 15/100 or 0.15 in decimal form. This conversion is crucial because it allows us to easily calculate percentages using basic arithmetic operations.
Converting Percentage to Decimal
The first step in calculating 15 percent of 70 is to convert 15 percent into a decimal. As mentioned, 15 percent is equivalent to 0.15. This conversion can be done by dividing 15 by 100.
15 ÷ 100 = 0.15
Multiplying the Decimal by the Number
Now that we have 15 percent expressed as 0.15, the next step is to multiply this decimal by 70 to find 15 percent of 70.
0.15 × 70 = 10.5
By performing this multiplication, we find that 15 percent of 70 is equal to 10.5.
| Calculation Step | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage | 15% |
| Decimal Conversion | 0.15 |
| Number | 70 |
| Calculation | 0.15 × 70 |
| Result | 10.5 |
Key Points
- To calculate a percentage of a number, first convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100.
- 15 percent is equivalent to 0.15 in decimal form.
- Multiply the decimal form of the percentage by the given number to find the result.
- 15 percent of 70 is equal to 10.5.
- This method can be applied to calculate percentages of any number.
In conclusion, calculating 15 percent of 70 involves converting 15 percent to a decimal (0.15) and then multiplying it by 70, which equals 10.5. This straightforward process can be used for a variety of percentage calculations, making it a useful tool in everyday math.
How do I calculate 15 percent of any number?
+To calculate 15 percent of any number, first convert 15 percent to a decimal by dividing 15 by 100, which equals 0.15. Then, multiply 0.15 by the given number to find 15 percent of that number.
Why is it important to understand how to calculate percentages?
+Understanding how to calculate percentages is important because it applies to various real-life situations, such as calculating discounts, interest rates, and statistical data. It helps in making informed decisions and understanding numerical information presented in everyday contexts.
Can this method be used for calculating other percentages?
+Yes, this method can be used for calculating any percentage of a given number. Simply convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100, and then multiply the decimal by the number.