Expert: Wei Chong - 5/20/2008

Question
I have 754 people, 150 of them are of a certain age group I want to know how to figure out what percentage that is--what are the steps I need to do to get the percentage?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Laurie!

First, before we calculate percentage, we need understand the basics on fractions first. This is because percentage and fractions are closely tied.

The math video in the link below explain basics behind fractions. (Scroll down  the page to watch the math video and take note on the Proper Fraction part)

Understanding Fractions
http://www.mathexpression.com/understanding-fractions.html

Now, with the basics in mind. Let's solve your question step-by-step:

Step 1: Form a fraction from the information given

Since you have total of 754 people. Out of these total number of people, you have 150 of them of certain age group. This means, in fraction form, we have:

=>   150/754

Step 2: Multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

Now, to get the percentage, we just need to multiply the fraction with 100. This is shown below:

percentage required = (150/754)*100
                   = 15000/754
                   = 19.89%

That's all. Now, remember not to forget to put the '%' sign right behind the number to show that the number is a percentage.

Best Regards,
Wei Chong