Percentages are an essential part of our daily lives as they help us understand proportions and ratios better in various contexts. Whether it is calculating discounts, determining percentage increases or decreases, or analyzing statistics, knowing how to calculate percentages using a calculator can save time and effort. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating percentages with ease using a calculator.

Basics of Percentage Calculation

To begin, let us first understand what a percentage is. A percentage is simply a ratio that represents a part out of 100. For example, if you scored 25 out of a possible 50 points on a test, your score would be represented as (25/50) * 100 = 50%.

Using a Basic Calculator for Percentage Calculation

1.Turning Fractions into Percentages

A basic calculator can easily turn any fraction into a percentage by following these steps:

Step 1: Divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number).

Step 2: Multiply the result (quotient) by 100.

Step 3: The result obtained is the required percentage.

Example: To calculate the percentage of 8 out of 12, follow these steps:

– Divide 8 by 12 (8 ÷ 12 = 0.6667).

– Multiply the result by 100 (0.6667 × 100 = 66.67%).

– The required percentage is approximately 66.67%.

2.Finding Percentages of Given Numbers

If you want to find a specific percentage of a given number, follow these steps:

Step 1: Convert the given percentage to its decimal form by dividing it by 100.

Step 2: Multiply the decimal value obtained in step one with the number whose percentage you want to find.

Example: To find 20% of 150, follow these steps:

– Divide the percentage (20%) by 100 (20 ÷ 100 = 0.2).

– Multiply the result by the given number (0.2 × 150 = 30).

– The required percentage is 30.

Using Scientific and Graphing Calculators

Advanced calculators such as scientific and graphing calculators often have built-in percentage functions that simplify the process. To use this function, enter the required numbers, and press the percentage button or key (“%”).

Example: To find 15% of 200 using a scientific calculator:

– Enter “15” and press the “%” key.

– Multiply the result by 200.

Conclusion

Knowing how to calculate percentages using a calculator is an essential skill that can save time and effort in various situations. By following these steps and focusing on understanding the basics of percentages, you can quickly and accurately perform calculations using any standard or advanced calculator.