Percentages are a fundamental part of everyday math. We see them in discounts, interest rates, grades, and more. One common question people ask is “24 is 30% of what number?” This guide breaks down the steps for finding the answer and provides additional examples and tips related to percentage calculations.
Understanding the Question
The question can be rephrased as, “If 24 represents 30% of an unknown total, how can we find that total?” We can express this mathematically as:
- 30% = 30/100 = 0.30
- 24 = 0.30 × Unknown Number
Simple Formula to Solve It
X = 24 ÷ 0.30
X = 80
So, if 24 is 30% of a number, that number is 80.
Step-by-Step Explanation
- Convert the percentage to a decimal.
30% becomes 0.30. - Set up the equation.
24 = 0.30 × X (where X is the unknown number). - Solve for X.
Divide 24 by 0.30 to isolate X, giving 80.
Why This Matters
Being comfortable with percentage problems helps in various real-life scenarios. Whether it’s calculating tips at restaurants or understanding how a sale price is determined, these steps are universally helpful. The more you practice converting and manipulating percentages, the faster you’ll solve similar questions.
Additional Examples
- Sales Discounts: If a shirt is marked down by 30% and its reduced price is $24, the original price is $80.
- Loan Interests: If interest amounts to 30% of the loan repayment, knowing how to reverse-engineer the total helps manage budgeting.
- Grading Systems: In some courses, a portion of your grade could be 30%. If you know the partial score, you can find the total points possible.
Quick Tips for Percentage Calculations
- Convert % to decimals: Move the decimal point two places to the left (e.g., 30% → 0.30).
- Cross-multiply in complex cases: For other percentage problems, use proportion equations like (Part / Whole) = (Percentage / 100).
- Use calculators wisely: Checking your work with a calculator can help avoid simple arithmetic errors.
Ultimately, learning how to handle “24 is 30% of what number?” and similar questions will sharpen your math skills and build confidence in all sorts of percentage-related scenarios.