How to take 20 percent of a number calculator?

Ditch the Calculator: Mastering the 20% Shortcut

We encounter percentages everywhere, from restaurant tips to sale discounts. One common percentage, 20%, often crops up, and knowing how to calculate it quickly can be a handy life skill. Forget fumbling with the percent button on your calculator! There’s a much simpler way to find 20% of any number.

The secret lies in understanding that 20% is equivalent to one-fifth. This allows for two easy calculation methods:

Method 1: Multiply by 0.2

Converting 20% to its decimal form, 0.2, provides a straightforward calculation. Simply multiply the original number by 0.2 to find 20%.

• Example: Let’s say you want to find 20% of 150. Just multiply 150 x 0.2 = 30. Therefore, 20% of 150 is 30.

Method 2: Divide by 5

Since 20% is one-fifth, dividing the number by 5 yields the same result.

• Example: Using the same example, 20% of 150 can be calculated as 150 / 5 = 30.

Why these methods work:

The logic behind these methods lies in the fundamental relationship between percentages and fractions. 20% can be represented as the fraction 20/100, which simplifies to 1/5. Multiplying by 0.2 (the decimal form of 1/5) or dividing by 5 (the denominator of 1/5) essentially accomplishes the same thing.

Putting it into practice:

Imagine you’re at a restaurant and the bill comes to $65. To calculate a 20% tip, quickly divide 65 by 5, resulting in a $13 tip. Alternatively, multiply 65 by 0.2 to arrive at the same answer.

Mastering this simple trick allows you to calculate 20% of any number mentally, saving you time and making everyday calculations a breeze. So ditch the calculator and embrace the power of this quick percentage shortcut.