The Basics of Percentages
Before we dive into the calculation of what 80 percent of 5 is, let’s have a quick refresher on percentages. A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. For example, 50 percent is the same as 50 out of 100 or 0.50.
The Calculation
To find out what 80 percent of 5 is, we need to multiply 5 by 0.80. This is because 80 percent is the same as 0.80 as a decimal. So, 5 x 0.80 = 4.
Why is it Important?
Knowing how to calculate percentages can be useful in many different areas of life. For example, if you are shopping and see an item that is on sale for 20 percent off, you can quickly calculate the sale price. Or, if you are trying to calculate a tip at a restaurant, you can use percentages to figure out the appropriate amount.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s take a look at some real-life examples of how percentages are used:
Example 1: Sale Price
You see a shirt that is originally priced at $20, but is on sale for 25 percent off. What is the sale price?
To find the sale price, we need to multiply the original price by the percentage off as a decimal. So, 20 x 0.25 = 5. Then, we subtract that amount from the original price: 20 – 5 = 15. Therefore, the sale price is $15.
Example 2: Tip Calculation
You have a meal at a restaurant that costs $30. You want to leave a 20 percent tip. How much should you leave?
To find the tip amount, we need to multiply the total cost by the percentage of the tip as a decimal. So, 30 x 0.20 = 6. Therefore, you should leave a $6 tip.
Common Mistakes
When it comes to calculating percentages, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some things to watch out for:
Not Converting to Decimals
Remember, percentages are just another way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. So, to use percentages in calculations, we need to convert them to decimals first.
Forgetting to Multiply or Divide
When we calculate percentages, we are essentially multiplying or dividing by a certain amount. Make sure you don’t forget this step!
Using the Wrong Percentage
Be careful to use the correct percentage in your calculations. For example, if you want to find 25 percent of 40, make sure you use 0.25 as the decimal equivalent of 25 percent.
In Conclusion
Calculating percentages is a useful skill to have in many different areas of life. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily figure out what 80 percent of 5 is, as well as other percentage calculations. Remember to watch out for common mistakes, and practice your skills whenever you get the chance!