Percentages. The Language of Comparison. IntroductionPercentages are a powerful tool used to express parts of a whole as a fraction of 100.They provide a standardized way to compare quantities and make sense of data. In this article, we will explore the concept of percentages, learn how to calculate them, and understand their applications in real-world situations.Understanding PercentagesThe word "percent" means "out of one hundred." A percentage is a fraction with a denominator of 100. For example, 25% is equivalent to [latex]frac{25}{100}[/latex].Example:If a class has 30 students and 12 of them are girls, then the percentage of girls in the class is [latex]frac{12}{30}[/latex], which can be simplified to [latex]frac{2}{5}[/latex]. To express this as a percentage, multiply by 100: [latex]frac{2}{5} times 100 = 40%[/latex]. Therefore, 40% of the class is girls.Calculating PercentagesThere are three main ways to calculate percentages:Using the formula:Percentage = ([latex]frac{Part}{Whole}) times 100[/latex].Using a proportion:[latex]frac{Part}{Whole} = frac{Percentage}{100}[/latex].Using a calculator:Many calculators have a percentage key that can be used to calculate percentages directly.Example:If a store offers a 20% discount on a shirt that originally costs N5,000, what is the sale price?Using the formula:Discount = 20% of N5,000 = ([latex]frac{20}{100}) times N5,000[/latex] = N1,000Sale price = Original price - Discount = N5,000 - N1,000 = N4,000Further ExamplesIf [latex]y[/latex] is o.3% of 500, what is the value of [latex]y[/latex]? Solution [latex]y=frac{0.3}{100}times500[/latex] [latex]y=0.3times5[/latex] [latex]y=frac{3}{10}times5[/latex] [latex]y=frac{15}{10}[/latex] [latex]y=1.5[/latex] ConclusionPercentages provide a valuable tool for understanding and comparing quantities. By mastering the concept of percentages, you will be better equipped to solve problems and make informed decisions in various areas of life. EXERCISE 6.0.A bank offers a 5% annual interest rate compounded quarterly. If you invest N1000 initially, how much will you have after 5 years?The price of a laptop increased by 20% from its original price of N800. Then, it was discounted by 15%. What is the final price of the laptop?If 25% of a number is 30, what is 40% of that number?A survey found that 70% of students prefer chocolate ice cream, 25% prefer vanilla, and the rest prefer strawberry. If there are 300 students in the survey, how many prefer strawberry ice cream?The population of a city increased by 15% one year and decreased by 10% the next year. If the initial population was 50,000, what is the population after two years?If 30% of a number is 60, what percentage of that number is 90?A store offers a 25% discount on all items. If the sale price of a shirt is N30, what was the original price?The price of a car increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%. Is the final price the same as the original price? Explain why or why not.If 60% of a number is 120, what is 80% of that number?A student scored 85% on a test with 100 questions. How many questions did the student answer correctly?Submit Answers via Chat e.g Exercise 6.o, then type Answers (Number your Answers).FOR MORE CONTENT!!!Register HERE Now! Pick a course, watch our Videos and take our CBT's.Additional Resources:Amsi: https://www.amsi.org..au.com/[Image Source]: https://www.unsplash.com/
