Frequently Asked Questions
Think of percentages as parts of a hundred. If you have 25% of something, it’s like having 25 cents out of a dollar, or 25 pieces if the whole was 100 pieces.
To find 10% of any number, just move the decimal point one place to the left. For example, 10% of 350 is 35.0 (or 35).
Percentages are often easier to compare and understand quickly. Saying “50% off” is clearer than “1/2 off” or “0.5 off” for many people.
A “percentage” refers to a rate (e.g., 10% interest). A “percentage point” refers to the actual change in that percentage. If interest goes from 5% to 7%, that’s a 2 percentage point increase.
Find the discount amount first (e.g., 20% of the original price). Then, subtract that amount from the original price to get the sale price.
A common mistake is not clearly understanding what the “whole” or “base” number is when calculating. Always ensure you know what number you’re taking a percentage of.
Yes! If something increases significantly, the increase itself can be more than 100%. For example, if you double your investment, that’s a 100% increase. If you triple it, that’s a 200% increase.
