What is 3/5 of 200,000? A Step-by-Step Calculation
This article will clearly explain how to calculate 3/5 of 200,000. Understanding fractions and percentages is a crucial skill in many areas of life, from budgeting to calculating discounts. Let's break down this specific calculation.
Understanding the Problem
The question "What is 3/5 of 200,000?" asks us to find three-fifths of 200,000. In other words, we need to determine what 3/5 represents as a portion of 200,000.
Method 1: Converting the Fraction to a Decimal
The easiest way to solve this is by converting the fraction 3/5 into a decimal.
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Divide the numerator by the denominator: 3 ÷ 5 = 0.6
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Multiply the decimal by the total amount: 0.6 x 200,000 = 120,000
Therefore, 3/5 of 200,000 is .
Method 2: Working Directly with the Fraction
Alternatively, you can solve this problem by working directly with the fraction:
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Multiply the numerator by the total amount: 3 x 200,000 = 600,000
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Divide the result by the denominator: 600,000 ÷ 5 = 120,000
Again, the answer is .
Why These Methods Work
Both methods achieve the same result. The first method simplifies the calculation by converting the fraction to a decimal, making the multiplication straightforward. The second method directly applies the meaning of fractions: the numerator indicates the number of parts, and the denominator indicates the total number of parts.
Practical Applications
Understanding how to calculate fractions of larger numbers has numerous practical applications:
- Finance: Calculating interest, discounts, or portions of investments.
- Business: Determining profit margins, calculating sales targets, or allocating resources.
- Everyday Life: Dividing bills, sharing costs, or figuring out portions for recipes.
This simple calculation demonstrates the power of basic arithmetic. Mastering these skills is essential for many aspects of life. Now you know how to easily calculate 3/5 of any number!