Finding What Percent One Number Is of Another

mathantics

This engaging math tutorial breaks down the specific skill of calculating a percentage when given a part and a whole (e.g., "What percent is 20 of 50?"). The video begins by reviewing the relationship between parts, totals, and percentages, establishing that a percentage is simply a ratio out of 100. It categorizes percentage problems into three distinct types—finding a part, finding a percent, and finding a total—and explicitly focuses on the second type for this lesson. The video explores two primary methods for solving these problems. The first method involves using equivalent fractions to scale the denominator to 100, which works well for "friendly" numbers. The second, more universal method involves treating the fraction as a division problem to find a decimal, then converting that decimal to a percentage. The narrator uses humorous skits involving family members giving gifts (travel souvenirs and cookies) to provide concrete word problems that illustrate the math concepts. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between fractions, decimals, and percents. It is particularly useful for helping students transition from simple scaling strategies to the more robust division method required for real-world numbers. The clear visualization of the "Part / Total = Percent" structure helps demystify word problems, while the distinction between the three types of percent questions provides a solid framework for algebraic thinking in middle school math.