How to Subtract a Percentage from a Number: A Step-by-Step Guide
Subtracting a percentage from a number is a common mathematical operation that is widely used in various real-life scenarios, such as calculating discounts, determining interest rates, and analyzing data. Whether you are a student, a professional, or just someone who needs to perform this calculation, it is essential to understand the process. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to subtract a percentage from a number.
Step 1: Convert the Percentage to a Decimal
The first step in subtracting a percentage from a number is to convert the percentage into a decimal. To do this, divide the percentage by 100. For example, if you have a percentage of 20%, you would divide 20 by 100, resulting in 0.20.
Step 2: Multiply the Decimal by the Number
Once you have converted the percentage to a decimal, the next step is to multiply this decimal by the number from which you want to subtract the percentage. For instance, if you want to subtract 20% from the number 50, you would multiply 0.20 by 50, which equals 10.
Step 3: Subtract the Result from the Original Number
After multiplying the decimal by the number, you will have the amount that needs to be subtracted from the original number. In our example, the result is 10. To subtract this amount from the original number (50), you would subtract 10 from 50, resulting in 40.
Step 4: Verify Your Answer
To ensure that your calculation is accurate, it is always a good idea to verify your answer. You can do this by reversing the process. Start with the final result (40 in our example) and add the amount you subtracted (10) back to it. If the sum equals the original number (50), then your calculation is correct.
Conclusion
Subtracting a percentage from a number is a straightforward process that involves converting the percentage to a decimal, multiplying the decimal by the number, and then subtracting the result from the original number. By following these steps, you can easily perform this calculation in various real-life scenarios. Remember to always verify your answer to ensure accuracy.
