Calculating a percentage of a given number is a fundamental mathematical operation with practical applications across various fields. Determining twenty percent of two thousand eight hundred involves multiplying the decimal equivalent of the percentage (0.20) by the total quantity (2800). The result of this calculation is five hundred sixty.
Understanding how to compute a percentage of a whole is valuable in personal finance, business, and statistical analysis. For example, it can be used to calculate discounts, sales tax, interest rates, or proportional representation. Historically, the concept of percentages has been used to express proportions and ratios, facilitating comparisons and resource allocation.