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6th grade
Course: 6th grade > Unit 3
Lesson 6: Percent word problemsRates and percentages FAQ
Frequently asked questions about rates and percentages
What is a rate?
A rate is a comparison of two quantities that have different units. For example, if we say that a bus travels kilometers in hours, we are comparing kilometers and hours. We can write this rate as or kilometers per hours. Rates tell us how fast, how often, or how much something happens.
What is a unit rate?
A unit rate is a special kind of rate that compares a quantity to one unit of another quantity. For example, if we want to know how many kilometers the bus travels in one hour, we can divide the total distance by . We get . This is a unit rate, and we can write it as kilometers per hour. Unit rates tell us the amount of one quantity for every one unit of another quantity.
What is a percent?
A percent is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a fraction out of . For example, if salmon survive to adulthood out of salmon who hatched, we can write this as or . The symbol means "out of " or "per ". Percents tell us how much of something is in a group or a whole.
How can we visualize percentages?
We can use different models to help us see what percentages mean. One common model is a -grid, which is a square divided into smaller squares. Each small square represents . For example, if we shade squares out of , we can see that this is the same as of the whole square.
Another common model is a circle graph or a pie chart, which is a circle divided into parts that show the percentages of a whole. Each part of the circle represents a percentage of the whole circle. For example, if we cut a circle into equal parts, each part is of the circle.
How can we find equivalent representations of percent problems?
Sometimes, we can use different ways to represent the same percent problem. For example, if we want to find of , we can use a fraction, a decimal, or a ratio. Here are some equivalent representations of of :
We can also use the formula to find any missing value in a percent problem. For example, if we know that is of some number, we can use the formula to find the number:
Where are rates, unit rates, and percents used in the real world?
Rates, unit rates, and percents are used in many situations in the real world, such as:
- Comparing prices of different items or services that have different units, such as dollars per pound, miles per gallon, or minutes per call. Unit rates help us find the best deal or the most efficient option.
- Calculating tips, taxes, discounts, interest, or commissions that are based on percentages of amounts. Percents help us find how much we pay or earn in different situations.
- Analyzing data, statistics, or surveys that show the percentages of different categories, groups, or outcomes. Percents help us understand and compare the information in different ways.
Want to join the conversation?
- i raged about 47 times during rates and percentages :)(26 votes)
- Same so frustrating!!(5 votes)
- How is a percentage related to a fractiion(4 votes)
- The “%” symbol basically denotes that there is 100 in the denominator. To express a percent as a fraction, simply remove the (%) sign and write that number as a fraction whose denominator is 100.
Any good?
Let me know.(17 votes)
- Bro this is so easy(0 votes)
- Everyone has different talents. So if your not good at math you are good at something. Be confident, cheer up, and study. Good luck!(25 votes)
- I don't get it(11 votes)
- the video does not help me at and this is so confusing(8 votes)
- It was the same for me(1 vote)
- when the when is when the the you when is when(6 votes)
- I love your way of thinking! It sucks, just like my life.(5 votes)
- this is still very confusing can someone pls explain it easier(3 votes)
- Here is some help, say we had this question: "What is 12% of 800?"
Well, 12% of 100 is 12,
so 12*8 = 96.
↑ This eight comes from 800/100 = 8.
So 96 is 12% of 800.
PS. Please upvote so more people can see this, cuz everybody hates this part of math.(7 votes)
- i don't understand anything tbh(4 votes)
- You have to keep trying over and over. Watch other videos on what you are learning. Practice makes perfect!(7 votes)
- khan is really fun(7 votes)
- nah u tripping(4 votes)
- i think that the cheery people commenting on these things are working for khan academy or else they wouldn't be so happy-go-math(6 votes)
- maybe some people just enjoy math tho(2 votes)