how does 5 out of 30 equal 17 percent

Question

how does 5 out 30 equal 17 percent

Answer 1

Clay, we can reduce 5/30 to 1/6, then set 1/6 = p/100, where p is the percent.  Cross multiply to get 6p = 100.  Dividing, we get 16.6... which rounds to 17.

 

Another way is to divide, because a fraction really means division.  5/30 = 5 ÷ 30 = .16... which rounds to .17 and is equal to 17%.

 

Hope this helps!