Name: Adam
Who is asking: Student
Level: Middle

Question:
Hi,
I would like to know the basics of percentages. It is all rather confusing to me.I have excelled in math but want to be ready next year for more advanced math.

What is Percentages?

Hi Adam

A percentage is just another way to write a fraction when the denominator is 100. So 12% is just another way to write , which you can also write in decimal form as 0.12. Mathematically 12%, and 0.12 are exactly the same.

When using percentages we are usually thinking of a percentage of something. If you want to buy a shirt that costs $45.00 and the merchant says she will give you a 12% discount, that's 12% of $45.00 which is 0.12 x 45 = 5.40. Hence the discounted price is $45.00 - $5.40 = $39.60.

Cheers,
Penny