Statistics make up a huge portion of the information that people are exposed to on a daily basis. The percentage, the primary method by which statistics are delivered, is the fraction of the whole that is made up by one particular aspect of it. Understanding the concept of the percentage is central to understanding statistics in general and to be able to accurately analyze the information that is constantly bombarding us. It is very easy to work out a percentage using very basic algebra skills.
Calculating a percentage is based on a simply algebraic equation. That equation is, "Is = Percent X Of." Begin by filling the appropriate values into the equation. (Example: To calculate the percentage of 16 that is made up by 4, the equation would read, "4 = Percent X 16")
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In an algebraic equation, you have the ability to shift numbers around. When two numbers are being multiplied, you can move one of them to the other side of the equation by dividing both sides by that number. By doing this, you can work out the percentage. (Example: "(4) / 16 = (Percent X 16) / 16" becomes "4 / 16 = Percent")
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Reduce the remaining equation to determine the decimal value of the percentage. (Example: "Percent = 4 / 16 = .25")
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Multiply this final value by 100 to determine the final percentage.
Tips & Warnings
You can use the same concept to manipulate and reduce any algebraic equation.
lisaha75
Jan 11, 2009
i love this info