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what is 20 of 3

what is 20 of 3

less than a minute read 05-02-2025
what is 20 of 3

What is 20% of 3? A Simple Percentage Calculation

What is 20% of 3? This seemingly simple question can be solved using a straightforward calculation. Understanding how to calculate percentages is a fundamental skill with applications in many areas of life, from budgeting to calculating discounts. This article will walk you through the steps to find the answer and explain the underlying concept.

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a fraction or ratio expressed as a number out of 100. The symbol "%" represents "per hundred". So, 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100.

Calculating 20% of 3

There are several ways to calculate 20% of 3:

Method 1: Converting the Percentage to a Decimal

  1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: Divide the percentage by 100. 20% / 100 = 0.20

  2. Multiply the decimal by the number: Multiply the decimal (0.20) by the number you want to find the percentage of (3). 0.20 * 3 = 0.6

Therefore, 20% of 3 is 0.6\boxed{0.6}

Method 2: Using Fractions

  1. Convert the percentage to a fraction: 20% can be expressed as the fraction 20/100.

  2. Simplify the fraction: 20/100 simplifies to 1/5.

  3. Multiply the fraction by the number: Multiply the simplified fraction (1/5) by 3. (1/5) * 3 = 3/5

  4. Convert the fraction to a decimal: 3/5 = 0.6

Therefore, 20% of 3 is 0.6\boxed{0.6}

Method 3: Proportion Method

This method sets up a proportion to solve for the unknown value.

  1. Set up a proportion: We can represent the problem as a proportion: 20/100 = x/3, where 'x' represents 20% of 3.

  2. Cross-multiply: 20 * 3 = 100 * x

  3. Solve for x: 60 = 100x => x = 60/100 = 0.6

Therefore, 20% of 3 is 0.6\boxed{0.6}

Conclusion

All three methods demonstrate that 20% of 3 is 0.6. Understanding these different methods will allow you to confidently calculate percentages in various contexts. Remember that percentages are a fundamental part of mathematics and everyday life; mastering these calculations is a valuable skill.

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