What is 20% of 82? A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding a percentage of a number is a common calculation used in many areas of life, from calculating discounts to understanding statistics. This guide will walk you through how to calculate 20% of 82, explaining the process step-by-step.
Understanding Percentages
A percentage is a fraction of 100. 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100. To find 20% of 82, we need to multiply 82 by 20/100.
Method 1: Using Decimal Conversion
The easiest way to calculate percentages is to convert the percentage to a decimal. To do this, divide the percentage by 100.
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Step 1: Convert 20% to a decimal: 20 / 100 = 0.20
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Step 2: Multiply the decimal by the number: 0.20 * 82 = 16.4
Therefore, 20% of 82 is 16.4.
Method 2: Using Fractions
Alternatively, we can use the fraction equivalent of 20%, which is 20/100 (this can be simplified to 1/5).
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Step 1: Express the percentage as a fraction: 20% = 20/100 = 1/5
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Step 2: Multiply the fraction by the number: (1/5) * 82 = 82/5
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Step 3: Simplify the fraction: 82/5 = 16.4
Again, we find that 20% of 82 is 16.4.
Method 3: Using a Calculator
Most calculators have a percentage function. Simply enter 82, then press the multiplication key (*), then enter 20, then press the percentage key (%). The calculator will directly give you the answer: 16.4.
Real-world Applications
Understanding percentage calculations is essential for various real-world scenarios, such as:
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Sales and Discounts: Calculating discounts in stores. If a product costs $82 and is on sale for 20% off, you'll save $16.40.
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Taxes: Determining the amount of sales tax or other taxes on a purchase.
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Tips: Calculating a tip in a restaurant.
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Statistics and Data Analysis: Percentage changes in data sets.
Conclusion
Calculating percentages is a valuable skill. Whether you use the decimal method, the fraction method, or a calculator, you can easily determine that 20% of 82 is 16.4. Remember that understanding percentage calculations can make many everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
