Percent decrease, step by step

Taking a percent off a number is the half of percent that shows up in every sale, discount and drop.

The question

20% less than 115

1%of115=1.15
1.15×20=23
11523=92
  1. Find one percent first — that is one hundredth of 115, which is 1.15.
  2. 20% is 20 of those, so multiply: 1.15 × 20 = 23.
  3. "Less than" means the 23 comes OFF the 115, and the 23 was never the answer: 115 − 23 = 92.

How it works.

  1. 01

    Find one percent first — that is one hundredth of 115, which is 1.15.

  2. 02

    20% is 20 of those, so multiply: 1.15 × 20 = 23.

  3. 03

    "Less than" means the 23 comes OFF the 115, and the 23 was never the answer: 115 − 23 = 92.