Calculating percentages on a calculator is an essential skill that helps people in many aspects of daily life, including understanding price discounts, determining tip amounts, and calculating interest rates. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to calculate percent using a calculator.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Percentages

A percentage is a fraction of 100. For example, if you scored 85 out of 100 in an exam, your percentage would be 85%. To represent this mathematically, we write it as 85/100.

Step 2: Convert the Percentage to Decimal

To calculate percent using a calculator, you need to convert the percentage to decimal form first. To do this, divide the percentage by 100.

Example: To convert 20 percent into decimal form, you would calculate 20 ÷ 100 = 0.20

Step 3: Identify the Problem You Need to Solve

The method you use to solve a problem with percentages depends on what information you are given. Here are three common scenarios:

Case 1: Finding a percentage of a given number

Case 2: Determining what percentage one number is of another number

Case 3: Calculating the original number given a percentage value

Step 4: Apply the Proper Formula for Each Scenario

Case 1: Finding a Percentage of a Given Number

To find the percentage of a given number, multiply the decimal form by that number.

Example: You want to find out what’s 20% off from $50. You would calculate:

0.20 × $50 = $10 (this is the amount discounted)

Case 2: Determining What Percentage One Number Is Of Another Number

To determine what percentage one number is of another, divide the first number by the second number and then multiply by 100.

Example: A sports team won 15 games out of 40 in a season. What is their winning percentage?

(15 ÷ 40) × 100 = 37.5%

Case 3: Calculating the Original Number Given a Percentage Value

To find the original number when given the percentage value and the result, divide the result by the given percentage value (in decimal form).

Example: If you know that sales tax is 7%, and you paid $3.50 tax, how much was your original purchase?

$3.50 ÷ 0.07 = $50 (this is the original purchase amount)

Conclusion:

Calculating percentages on a calculator is a straightforward process as long as you understand the basics of percentages and apply the appropriate formula for each scenario. By mastering this skill, you’ll gain better control of your finances and easily navigate through daily situations that involve percentages.