What is 20% of 12,000? A Simple Percentage Calculation
Finding 20% of 12,000 is a common percentage calculation. Whether you're dealing with finances, discounts, or any situation involving percentages, understanding how to solve this is crucial. Let's break it down step-by-step.
Understanding Percentages
A percentage is a fraction of 100. 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100. To find a percentage of a number, we essentially multiply the number by the percentage expressed as a decimal.
Method 1: Converting Percentage to Decimal
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Convert the percentage to a decimal: Divide 20 by 100: 20 ÷ 100 = 0.20
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Multiply the decimal by the number: 0.20 x 12,000 = 2400
Therefore, 20% of 12,000 is .
Method 2: Using Fractions
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Express the percentage as a fraction: 20% can be written as 20/100, which simplifies to 1/5.
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Multiply the fraction by the number: (1/5) x 12,000 = 2400
Again, we find that 20% of 12,000 is .
Real-World Examples
Understanding this calculation is useful in various scenarios:
- Discounts: A 20% discount on a $12,000 car would mean a savings of $2400.
- Taxes: Calculating 20% sales tax on a $12,000 purchase.
- Commissions: Determining a 20% commission on $12,000 in sales.
- Profit Margins: Finding 20% of the cost of goods sold to determine profit margin.
Conclusion
Calculating percentages is a fundamental skill. By understanding the simple steps involved, you can easily solve problems like "What is 20% of 12,000?" and apply this knowledge to numerous real-world situations. Whether you use the decimal or fraction method, the answer remains consistent: 20% of 12,000 is 2400.
