1.6 Find a percentage of a number

Suppose a mathematics exam is out of 75 points, and students need to achieve at least 60 per cent to pass. How many points guarantee a passing grade?

To pass, the student has to earn at least 60 per cent of 75. Here, we can change the percentage into a fraction, then calculate to find the required point amount. You can work out the points necessary by simplifying the fraction and then multiplying.

Here is one way of reaching the answer: .

Or, you can convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply by this, as follows:

60% = 0.6

So required marks = 0.6 x 75 = 45.

You can use either method.