Percentage: an important arithmetic concept

The percentage represents parts per 100. It can be symbolized by %. The percentage is a dimensionless quantity as it represents a ratio. It is the ratio that can be represented in the terms of 100. 

In mathematics, the percentage represents the ratio that can be expressed in 100. Therefore, the percentage represents parts per 100.

Percentage formula

To calculate the percentage, one has to divide the value with a total value to get a fraction and then the fraction should be multiplied by 100. 

⅖ * 100 = 0.4*100= 40%

History:

In Ancient Rome, percentage came into existence long before decimal systems were discovered. For example, Augustus levied a tax of 1/100 on goods sold at an auction known as centesima rerum venalium. Computation with these fractions was equivalent to computing percentages.

How to find the percentage?

Case 1: percentage of a number

Step 1: Find the required number.

Step 2: Represent the number in the fraction form with the denominator 100.

Step 3: Multiply the number with the fraction. The required answer would be obtained.

Case 2: percentage of a fraction

Step 1: Find the fraction

Step 2: Multiply it with 100.

Percentage increase:

Mathematically, percentage increase refers to the difference in percentage measure. The percentage increase can be described as the ratio of increased value divided by original value multiplied by 100. The increased value can be calculated by considering the difference between the initial and final values.

 The formula to calculate increase is given by

Percentage Increase = [(Final value – Original value) × 100] / Original value %

For example, if the original value is 65 and the final value is 79, then the percentage increase is:

Percentage Increase = [(79-65) ×100]/65

= 1400/65

= 21.53%

Hence, the percentage increase is 21.53%

Percentage calculator:

Percentage calculator is a free online tool that is used to calculate the percentage so that the user does not have to calculate it manually.

Percentage increase calculator:

Percentage increase calculator is an online tool that helps the user to measure the increase of percentage with respect to a certain amount.

Example:

• In a certain college, 60% of all students are female, and 10% of all students are computer science majors. If 5% of female students are computer science majors, what percentage of computer science majors are female?

Solution: Let the total number of students be100. Therefore, the total number of girls is 60 and 10 students are computer science majors. Now, 5 female students are female students in computer science majors. Then, the percentage of female students in computer science major courses are 5/10 * 100= 50%.

• An increase of $0.15 on a price of $2.50 is an increase by a fraction of 0.15/2.50  = 0.06. Expressed as a percentage, this is a 6% increase.

Solution: While many percentage values are between 0 and 100, there is no mathematical restriction and percentages may take on other values.[3] For example, it is common to refer to 111% or −35%, especially for percent changes and comparisons

Conclusion:

The percentage represents parts per 100. It can be symbolized by %. The percentage is a dimensionless quantity. Mathematically, percentage increase refers to the difference in percentage measure. The percentage increase can be described as the ratio of increased value divided by original value multiplied by 100.