- Identify the part (15) and the whole (50).
- Set up the fraction as \(\frac{15}{50}\).
- Convert the fraction to a decimal, which is \(0.3\).
- Multiply by 100 to find the percentage: \(\boxed{30\%}\).
Explanation
- Problem Analysis and Identifying the Components
To determine what percent 15 is of 50, we identify the 'part' and the 'whole' in the given problem. Here, the 'part' is 15 and the 'whole' is 50. A percentage expresses a number as a fraction of 100, represented by the formula \(\frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100\%\).
- Calculating the Fractional Value
We set up the ratio of the part to the whole: \(\frac{15}{50}\). To convert this fraction to a decimal, we perform the division: \(15 \div 50 = 0.3\).
- Converting to Percentage
Finally, to convert the decimal to a percentage, we multiply it by 100 and add the percent symbol: \(0.3 \times 100 = 30\). Thus, 15 is \(30\%\) of 50.
Examples
Percentages are commonly used in daily life to understand ratios and proportions, such as calculating discounts during sales or determining your grade on a test. For instance, if you get 15 questions right out of a 50-question test, calculating the percentage as \(\frac{15}{50} \times 100 = 30\%\) helps you easily gauge your performance relative to the total number of questions. This simple calculation tool is essential for budget management, interest rate analysis, and statistical reporting.