what percent is 45 out of 60

Natashya

2 min read

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02-02-2025

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Figuring out percentages can seem daunting, but it's a valuable skill in many areas of life. This article will show you exactly how to calculate what percent 45 is out of 60, and give you the tools to tackle similar problems in the future. Understanding this will help you with everything from calculating grades to understanding sales discounts.

Understanding Percentages

Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what percentages represent. A percentage is a fraction of 100. For example, 50% means 50 out of 100, or 50/100, which simplifies to 1/2.

Calculating the Percentage: Method 1 (Fraction to Decimal)

The most straightforward method involves converting the fraction to a decimal, then multiplying by 100. Here's how to do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Write it as a fraction.

To start, express "45 out of 60" as a fraction: 45/60

Step 2: Simplify the fraction (optional but helpful).

Both 45 and 60 are divisible by 15. Simplifying gives us 3/4. This makes the next step easier.

Step 3: Convert the fraction to a decimal.

Divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number): 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75

Step 4: Multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

0.75 x 100 = 75%

Therefore, 45 out of 60 is 75%.

Calculating the Percentage: Method 2 (Direct Proportion)

This method uses a proportion to solve for the percentage directly.

Step 1: Set up a proportion.

We can set up a proportion like this:

45/60 = x/100

Where 'x' represents the percentage we want to find.

Step 2: Cross-multiply.

Cross-multiplying gives us:

60x = 4500

Step 3: Solve for x.

Divide both sides by 60:

x = 4500 ÷ 60 = 75

Therefore, x = 75%, confirming our previous result.

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to calculate percentages is useful in many everyday situations:

• Grading: If you got 45 out of 60 points on a test, you scored 75%.
• Sales: A 25% discount on a $60 item means you save $15 (25% of $60).
• Surveys: If 45 out of 60 people surveyed preferred a certain product, that's 75% preference.

Conclusion

Calculating what percent 45 is out of 60 is a simple process once you understand the steps. Both methods outlined above—converting to a decimal and using proportions—will give you the correct answer: 75%. Mastering percentage calculations will greatly improve your ability to interpret data and solve problems in various contexts. Remember that practice makes perfect! Now you're equipped to tackle similar percentage problems with confidence.