Percent Sign Symbol %

The percent sign (%) is a mathematical symbol used to represent percentages or proportions. It is derived from the Latin phrase "per centum," meaning "per hundred." Percentages are a way of expressing a fraction of one hundred, providing a standardized method for comparing and quantifying relative values.

Usage and Notation

In mathematical notation, the percent sign is used to express a percentage. For example:

• 25% means 25 out of every 100, or 0.25 as a decimal.
• 50% means 50 out of every 100, or 0.5 as a decimal.
• 100% represents the whole, equivalent to 1 as a decimal.

Representation in HTML

In HTML, the percent sign "%" can be represented directly without the need for special entities.

Calculations with Percentages

Percentages are often used in various calculations, including percentage increase or decrease, finding a percentage of a quantity, and expressing proportions. Some common formulas include:

• Percentage Increase: Increase = [(New Value - Old Value) / Old Value] * 100%
• Percentage Decrease: Decrease = [(Old Value - New Value) / Old Value] * 100%
• Percentage of a Quantity: Percentage = (Part / Whole) * 100%

Applications

Percentages are widely used in everyday situations and various fields such as finance, economics, statistics, and science. They provide a standardized way to communicate proportions, changes, and relationships between quantities.

Example

If a store offers a 20% discount on an item originally priced at $50, the discounted price can be calculated as follows:

Discount = 20% of $50 = 0.20 * $50 = $10 
Discounted Price = Original Price - Discount = $50 - $10 = $40

The percent sign "%" is a fundamental symbol in mathematics, providing a standardized way to express proportions and relative values. Understanding percentages is crucial for interpreting data, making comparisons, and performing various calculations in both academic and real-world contexts.