224 algebra De mystif ieD
Percents
A percent is a decimal number in disguise. In fact, the word “percent” literally
means “per hundred.” Remember that “per” means to divide and “cent” means
hundred, so 16% means 16 ÷ 100 or 16/100 = 0.16 (notice that we move the
decimal point to the left 2 places). Because the word “of” means to multiply,
we see that the statement, “16% of 25” translates into (0.16)(25) = 4.
EXAMPLE
Convert the percent to a decimal number and compute.
82% of 44
Writing 82% as a decimal number, we have 82% = 0.82, so 82% of 44
becomes (0.82)(44) = 36.08
150% of 6 is (1.50)(6) = 9
834 % of 24 is (0.0875)(24) = 2.1
0.65% of 112 is (0.0065)(112) = 0.728
PRACTICE
Convert the percent to a decimal number and compute.
- 64% of 50 is __.
- 126% of 38 is __.
- 0.42% of 16 is __.
- 18.5% of 48 is __.
- 213.6% of 90 is __.
✔SOLUTIONS
- 64% of 50 is (0.64)(50) = 32
- 126% of 38 is (1.26)(38) = 47.88
- 0.42% of 16 is (0.0042)(16) = 0.0672
- 18.5% of 48 is (0.185)(48) = 8.88
- 213.6% of 90 is (2.136)(90) = 192.24
EXAMPLE
Convert the percent to a decimal number and compute.
PRACTICE
Convert the percent to a decimal number and compute.