-
Introduction
View the activity introduction for more information on the topic
-
Read aloud
Read the question aloud
-
Accessibility
Open the accessibility toolbar to change fonts and contrast, choose a different language, use a ruler and more
To find a percentage of a number we can use a calculator.
However, not all calculators have a % button, so we need to know what to tap into the calculator in order to find our answer!
The easiest method is to find a multiplier. We do this by dividing our percentage by 100.
25% is the same as 0.25
2% is the same as 0.02
125% is the same as 1.25
Did you spot that all those percentages above had been divided by 100 to get the decimal to use as our multiplier?
Example 1
Use a calculator to find the following percentage:
32% of 420
Answer 1
First, find our multiplier by dividing the percentage by 100.
32 ÷ 100 = 0.32
On your calculator, type:
0.32 x 420 = 134.4
Another way to work it out would be to type:
32 x 420 = 13,440
13,440 ÷ 100 = 134.4
Example 2
Use a calculator to find the following percentage:
144% of 250
Answer 2
Find the multiplier by dividing the percentage by 100.
144 ÷ 100 = 1.44
On your calculator, type:
1.44 x 250 = 360
Or you could type:
144 x 250 = 36,000
36,000 ÷ 100 = 360
As you can see, there is more than one way to find percentages using a calculator. If your calculator has a % button on it, you will be able to just type in the number followed by the percentage sign.
Let's have a go at some questions now.
Question
/ 10Mr Shepherd
Do you want to skip questions and finish?
Hold up, it looks like there may be an issue with your spelling. Why not try it again?
You need to check your answer before you proceed. Are you sure you want to skip?
Teacher explanation