Navigating the world of percentages and fractions can be daunting, especially when dealing with large numbers. To simplify this process, let’s delve into the calculation of 20% of 1250, breaking it down step by step.
Percentage Conversion
A percentage represents a fraction of 100. To convert a percentage to a decimal, simply divide it by 100. In this case, 20% becomes:
20% / 100 = 0.20
Fraction Conversion
A fraction represents a part of a whole. To convert a percentage to a fraction, divide the percentage by 100 and write the result as a fraction out of 100. So, 20% becomes:
20 / 100 = 20/100
Calculating 20% of 1250 Using Decimals
To calculate 20% of 1250 using decimals, multiply 0.20 (the decimal representation of 20%) by 1250:
0.20 x 1250 = 250
Calculating 20% of 1250 Using Fractions
To calculate 20% of 1250 using fractions, simplify the fraction 20/100 to its lowest form. In this case, it reduces to 1/5. Then, multiply 1/5 by 1250:
1/5 x 1250 = 250
Result
Regardless of the method used, the answer remains the same: 20% of 1250 is 250.
Understanding percentages is crucial in various practical applications, such as:
- Calculating discounts: A store offering a 20% discount on a product with a price tag of $100 would mean a reduction of $20, making the discounted price $80.
- Estimating taxes: If a sales tax rate is 5%, you would pay $0.05 for every $1 spent on a purchase.
For easy reference, here are four tables that provide percentages, decimals, and fractions for quick calculations:
| Percentage | Decimal | Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0.00 | 0/100 |
| 10% | 0.10 | 10/100 |
| 20% | 0.20 | 20/100 |
| 30% | 0.30 | 30/100 |
| 40% | 0.40 | 40/100 |
| 50% | 0.50 | 50/100 |
Percentile
A percentile is a measure of how a data point compares to other data points in a distribution. For example, the 20th percentile is the value below which 20% of the data falls.
Fractile
A fractile is similar to a percentile, but it refers to a division of a data set into equal parts. For instance, the 20th fractile would divide a data set into 20 equal parts.
To encourage innovation and generate ideas for new applications of percentages and fractions, let’s introduce a creative new word: portiometer.
Definition
A portiometer is a device or system designed to accurately measure and allocate specific portions or fractions of a given quantity.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical industry: A portiometer could ensure precise dosage measurements for medications.
- Manufacturing: It could control the mixing of ingredients in complex formulations.
- Food and beverage industry: It could automate portion control in food preparation and packaging.
Understanding percentages and fractions is essential for navigating everyday situations and making informed decisions. By using decimals or fractions, we can simplify calculations and gain a better grasp of how parts relate to wholes. From calculating discounts to estimating taxes, the knowledge of percentages empower us to solve problems and manage our finances effectively.