what is 12 percent of 80

2 min read 02-02-2025

Finding a percentage of a number is a common calculation in many areas of life, from calculating sales tax to determining discounts. This article will show you how to easily calculate what 12 percent of 80 is, explaining the process step-by-step. We'll cover two methods: using a calculator and a manual calculation.

Method 1: Using a Calculator

The easiest way to calculate 12 percent of 80 is using a calculator. Simply multiply 80 by 0.12 (which is the decimal equivalent of 12%).

Step 1: Enter 80 into your calculator.
Step 2: Multiply by 0.12.
Step 3: Press the equals (=) button.

The answer displayed will be 9.6. Therefore, 12 percent of 80 is 9.6.

Method 2: Manual Calculation

If you prefer not to use a calculator, you can perform the calculation manually. Here's how:

Step 1: Convert the percentage to a decimal. To convert 12% to a decimal, divide it by 100: 12 / 100 = 0.12
Step 2: Multiply the decimal by the number. Multiply 0.12 by 80: 0.12 * 80 = 9.6
Step 3: State the answer. Therefore, 12% of 80 is 9.6

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction of 100. When we say 12 percent, we mean 12 out of 100, or 12/100. To calculate a percentage of a number, we convert the percentage to a decimal and then multiply.

Practical Applications

Calculating percentages is useful in many real-world situations:

Sales tax: If you buy something for $80 and the sales tax is 12%, you'll pay an additional $9.60 in tax.
Discounts: A 12% discount on an $80 item would save you $9.60.
Tips: Calculating a 12% tip on an $80 meal.
Commission: Determining a 12% commission on $80 worth of sales.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to calculate percentages quickly?

For quick mental calculations, you can use estimations. For example, 10% of 80 is 8, so 12% would be slightly more than 8. This method isn't exact but provides a useful estimate.

What is 12% of 80 as a fraction?

12% of 80 is 9.6, which can be expressed as the improper fraction 96/10 or the mixed number 9 6/10, which simplifies to 9 3/5.

Conclusion

Calculating 12 percent of 80, whether manually or with a calculator, results in 9.6. Understanding how to calculate percentages is a valuable skill applicable to various everyday situations. Remember the simple steps, and you'll be able to confidently tackle similar percentage problems.