Want a More Intuitive Way to Think About Percentages?

Finding percentages can be one of the most confusing mathematical concepts for children, and even adults, to master.  Yet, an understanding of percents is critical in everyday life.  Consider how often you use percentages in daily life! We calculate a percent when determining the amount of gratuity to leave a server, massage therapist, hair stylist or uber driver. What about when you see a favorite top or legging advertised on sale? You can calculate the final amount using the percent off to determine if it is a good deal or not. Figuring in sales tax uses a percent calculation. Yet, most of us freak out when faced with calculating more than basic 10 percent off. Why? Because we were taught the standard algorithm which requires multiplying multi-digit numbers then adding and moving the decimal point, and many of us have even forgotten the steps!

In this video, center director Suzie Shride, uses a percent question to discuss number sense.

If the video doesn't play use this link https://youtu.be/NMfweYVF0j8

There is a more intuitive approach to calculating percents (described in the video). It focuses on the true meaning of percent as opposed to methods that are based on rote memorization of formulas.  You will find that this method, which uses mental math, makes calculating percents less intimidating and even fun!

When calculating percents, the first step is to realize that “per cent” can be defined as “for each 100.”  Applying this concept, one can easily solve percent problems.  For example, 6% of 300 is 18, because 6% means “count 6 for each 100.”  Therefore, since 300 = 100 + 100 + 100, count 6, three times (6 + 6 + 6 = 18).

Taking this example a step further in complexity, 6% of 350 is 21.  We arrive at this answer by again counting 6 for each 100; however, we now need to account for the additional 50.  Since 50 is ½ of 100, we need to add ½ of 6, which is 3.  Therefore, our answer of 21 is calculated by adding 6 + 6 + 6 + 3 = 21.  

Extending our original example even further, we can find 6% of 325.  Since 25 is ¼ of 100, we need to add ¼ of 6, which is 1 ½.  Calculating ¼ of a number can be a bit intimidating until one realizes that finding ¼ of a number can often be done using mental math as well.  One simply needs to remember that you need to divide your number in half, two times.  For example, ½ of 6 = 3, and ½ of 3 = 1 ½.  Therefore, 6% of 325 is 6 + 6 + 6 + 1 ½ = 19 ½.

In this video, Sierra explains this concept!

If the video doesn't play use this link https://youtu.be/nOWOGm0Uh9U

Test Your New Knowledge!

You can test yours as well as your child’s new ability to calculate percents using mental math by completing the following 10 problems.  Answers can be found at the bottom of this article.  

1. 7% of 300
2. 6% of 500
3. 15% of 300
4. 25% of 400
5. 20% of 500
6. 6 ½% of 200
7. 8% of 50
8. 7% of 50
9. 12% of 250
10. 8% of 225

Have fun! If you want your child to feel more comfortable with other areas of math - fractions, word problems, multiplication tables and more - call Mathnasium of Littleton at 303-979-9077 and set up a free math assessment or free trial session! Or click the button below to get more information!

Answers:

1. 21
2. 30
3. 45
4. 100
5. 100
6. 13
7. 4
8. 3 ½
9. 30
10. 18