3. Definition
Percentages
Percentages are something we have all
learnt in school, but do we actually know
what it is?
In mathematics, a percentage is a number
or ratio expressed as a fraction of 100. (See
graphic on the left)
When we say ‘Percent’ we are really saying
per hundred.
And do we apply it in real life?
It is so important to. And you will see
why……..
4. Discounts almost
always are expressed
in %.
Interest to be paid on
loans or earned on
deposits is expressed in
terms of percentages.
Used to understand a
change in the value of a
commodity/ service across
time periods.
Results of exams are
expressed in terms of
percentages etc.
ApplicationofPercentages
1
3
2
4
5. Examples
Example 1
100 % means ALL
So 100 % of 70 would be = 70
Example 2
50% means 50/100 = ½
So 50% of 40 would be = (50/100) X40
= 20
Example 3
3. 5% means 5/100th
So 5% of 40 would be = (5/100) X 40
= 2
6. Many a time, understanding % is
easier through charts.
It is always easier to
understand visually.
PercentagesrepresentedasCharts
Rs. 10,000 spent on various items is represented in the chart below.
You can see easily that the green pie is the largest. At a glance, one can understand that this is the
item on which the maximum amount was spent out of Rs. 10,000.
