Percentage

Percentage

A percentage is a number or ratio expressed as a fraction of 100. It is often denoted using the percent sign, "%", or the abbreviations "pct.", "pct"; sometimes the abbreviation "pc" is also used. A percentage is a dimensionless number (pure number).

Definition

The word percentage is derived from the Latin word 'per centum' meaning 'by the hundred'. The sign for percent evolved by gradual contraction of the Italian term per cento, meaning 'for a hundred'. The "per" was often abbreviated as "p." and eventually disappeared entirely. The "cento" was contracted to two circles separated by a horizontal line, from which the modern "%" symbol is derived.

Usage

Percentages are used to express how large or small one quantity is relative to another quantity. The first quantity usually represents a part of, or a change in, the second quantity, which should be greater than zero.

Calculation

In mathematics, a percentage is a number or ratio that can be expressed as a fraction of 100. If we have to calculate percent of a number, divide the number by whole and multiply by 100. Hence, the percentage means, a part per hundred.

Examples

For example, 45% (read as "forty-five percent") is equal to 45/100, or 0.45. Percentages are used to express how large or small one quantity is relative to another quantity. The first quantity usually represents a part of, or a change in, the second quantity, which should be greater than zero.

See also

• Ratio
• Proportion
• Decimal
• Fraction

References

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