How to Calculate Percentages

5. Backward Percentage Example

Using the previous example, assume that a meal at a fine restaurant costs $35. The standard tip for a meal is 15%. How much money should the diners put aside as a tip? To figure this question out, students will need to calculate 15% of $35. To do this, convert 15% into a decimal. Fifteen percent is equivalent to 15/100, so insert a decimal point two spaces to the left, leaving .15 as the result. Then, multiply this by the amount of the meal (35). The answer is 35 x .15 = 5.25. Therefore, the tip should be $5.25.