what is 10 percent of 15

less than a minute read 02-02-2025

Finding 10 percent of a number is a fundamental math skill. It's useful in many everyday situations, from calculating tips to understanding discounts. Let's break down how to calculate 10 percent of 15.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction out of 100. So, 10 percent means 10 out of 100, which can be written as the fraction 10/100 or the decimal 0.10.

Method 1: Using Decimal Multiplication

The easiest way to find 10 percent of 15 is to multiply 15 by the decimal equivalent of 10 percent (0.10):

15 * 0.10 = 1.5

Therefore, 10 percent of 15 is $\boxed{1.5}$

Method 2: Fraction Multiplication

We can also use the fraction 10/100 to solve this:

15 * (10/100) = 150/100 = 1.5

This again shows that 10 percent of 15 is $\boxed{1.5}$

Method 3: The 10% Trick

There's a quick shortcut for calculating 10 percent: simply move the decimal point one place to the left.

For the number 15, move the decimal point (which is understood to be at the end of the number: 15.0) one place to the left: 1.5

This directly gives you 10 percent of the number, so 10 percent of 15 is $\boxed{1.5}$

Practical Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages is vital in many real-world scenarios:

Sales and Discounts: If a store offers a 10% discount on a $15 item, you'll save $1.50.
Tips and Gratuities: Calculating a 10% tip on a $15 meal is the same calculation.
Taxes: While sales tax percentages vary, understanding this fundamental calculation is key for budgeting and financial literacy.

Conclusion

Calculating 10 percent of 15 is straightforward using different methods. Whether you use decimal multiplication, fraction multiplication, or the handy 10% trick, the answer remains the same: $\boxed{1.5}$ Mastering this simple calculation will greatly improve your understanding of percentages and their everyday applications.