To find the percent of a number:

  Change the percent to a decimal (move the decimal point
     two places to the left)

  Multiply the decimal number by the number

Examples:

Question Solution
What is 15% of 130?   Change 15% to 0.15
  Multiply 130 by 0.15  
Answer:  19.5 is 15% of 130
What is 85% of 85?   Change 85% to 0.85
  Multiply 85 by 0.85     
Answer:  72.25 is 85% of 85

More Examples:

 

Question Solution

A $15.99 shirt was on sale for 30% off.  How much was the discount price?

  Change 30% to 0.3       
  Multiply $15.99 by 0.3  
  4.797 is 30% of  $15.99
We round 4.797 to $4.80 because money only contains two places after the decimal.
  Subtract $4.80 from $15.99
Answer:  The discount price is $11.19. 

A $157.95 television was on sale for 50% off.  A coupon took another $10.00 off.  How much was the television at the register?

  Change 50% to 0.5        
  Multiply $157.95 by 0.5
78.975 is 50% of $157.95
We round 78.975 to $78.98 because money only contains two places after the decimal.
  Subtract $78.98 from$157.95
  Subtract $10.00 from $78.97   
Answer:  The television cost $68.97.

Remember:

  Change the percent to a decimal number
  Multiply the decimal number by the number

 

Let's Practice!

 

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