# What is 12.5% of 72?

Nov 18, 2016

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12.5% of 72 = 9

#### Explanation:

Note that % is a unit of measurement and it is worth $\frac{1}{100}$

So 12.5% = $\frac{12.5}{100}$

the word 'of' is the same as the mathematical multiply.

Example: $\text{ "2" of "3" " =" " 3+3" " =" } 2 \times 3$
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12.5% of 72 $\to \frac{12.5}{100} \times 72 = 9$

Nov 18, 2016

$9$

#### Explanation:

Fractions, decimals and percents are all different forms of writing the same thing, but they are often used for different purposes.

They are interchangeable.
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12.5% xx 72 can be written as ${\cancel{12.5}}^{1} / {\cancel{100}}^{8} \times 72$

=$\textcolor{red}{\frac{1}{8}} \times 72$

=$9$

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It is useful to know some of the common fractions in the various forms by heart. Here are some to start with ........

1/2 = 0.5 = 50%" "1/4 = 0.25 = 25%" "3/4 = 0.75 = 75%

color(red)(1/8 = 0.125 = 12 1/2%)" "3/8 = 0.325 = 32 1/2%

5/8 = 0.625 = 62.5%" "7/8 = 0.875 = 87.5%

1/3 = 0.bar3 = 33 1/3%" "2/3 = 0.bar6 = 66 2/3%