Whats 30 of 120?

Have you ever found yourself staring at a math problem and wondering, “What in the world does this even mean?” Well, my dear reader, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, I just had to ask myself that very question when posed with the query “What’s 30 of 120?”

So let’s dive right into this head-scratcher and see if we can come out on the other side with some answers (and maybe a few laughs).

Breaking it down

First things first: let’s break down the language used in this perplexing question.

“What’s” is shorthand for “what is,” meaning we’re being asked for some kind of value or answer. Simple enough.

“30” and “120” are numbers – though that much should be obvious!

The word “of,” however, adds an extra layer of intrigue. It implies some sort of relationship between those two numbers beyond ‘1 + 1 = 2’.

Now that we have dissected each piece on its own, let’s put them together.

The simple solution

If you aren’t looking for anything too complicated here (wink), then there actually is quite a simple solution available to us using basic arithmetic:

(30 /100) x 120 = ?

That’s basically calculating what percentage from 120 represents 30. This comes directly from applying proportions method in mathematics where fractions x/100 giving respective percentages can be multiplied by another number representing total quantity.
Simple! Or so it seems…

Because sometimes knowing HOW to do something isn’t enough – especially if your brain hasn’t seen basic maths since high-school…(or primary).

Trying to pick apart algebraic equations while waiting in line at Starbucks can definitely leave one feeling like they might need extra-strength Tylenol.

So here’s numerous ways you can solve What’s 30 of 120? because variety is the spice of life:

Method One: The Quickie

As we established earlier,

(30 /100) x 120 = ? (are you following this?)

Let’s simplify from there just a little bit more:

3/10 x 120 = ?
12 × 3/10 = ?
36

The answer to “What’s 30% of 120?” is 36. See, wasn’t that easy?

Far easier than string theory anyway.

Side note:

String theory: an idea in theoretical physics where all matter and energy in our universe is composed of tiny one-dimensional strings vibrating at different frequencies.

Makes your head hurt already! Stick with us for straightforward mathematics rather than going down the rabbit hole filled with incomprehensible jargon.

Method Two: Calculate by Percentage

We know that “of” means multiplication; therefore,
(x /100) x y
We take a number represented by ‘x’ stored as percentage or decimal and multiply it by some other number ‘y.’

But what if we were asked for any percentage between two numbers? Not only are percentages used everywhere (51% milk, SPF50 sunblock), but they’re also useful when calculating tips on dinner checks – who needs math class now?!

In our case, we need to calculate for a percentage using the total amount value given and some fraction representing the required percentile. Here goes:

First, turn ‘percent’ into decimals:

30 % ÷ 100 = .3 which becomes our %—remember how proportions work?!

Then,

“`.3 × $120 =$ ?? (first time using currency!)
$36

Instead of sweating over bills or arguing with a washing machine over pocket change, use basic percentages and make life easy-peasy. 

## Method Three: Fraction Frenzy

Perhaps math never was your strongest point back in high school - we feel you; it's not for everyone.

But maybe Jack’s Pizza only costs $5 (I mean who can resist that?) but tipping 30% is too rich of a taste to swallow.

Therefore,

(30 /100) x 5 = ?
.3 x 5= ?
$1.50

Making tip calculation like this so much easier—and remember: always tip on pizza!

An even simpler way to state the answer might be “Thirty out of one hundred twenty" which we already know is equal to `0.25` or more simply put- ‘THREE OUT OF TEN’.
Mathematics doesn't have to give us headaches all day long if we break problems down into friendlier fractions.


# Some Real World Examples
Not sure yet how any of these calculations will come in handy outside the classroom setting?

Let us show you real-world scenarios where 'What's 30 of 120?' isn't just something to study but actually holds importance:


## Sales and Taxes — oh my!

During our discount-shopping-spree time at Checkers Hyper:

"I needed an extra toothbrush, so I got a nice Colgate from there for R38! Got some discount as well."

Calculating tax within stores can be especially useful when you're trying to figure out actual pricing between products after discounts and special offers have been applied.

So let's crack at finding sales-tax percentage rate for that travel-size mouth-cleaner!

First convert Rand `discount value %` into decimals:

```.45 ÷ [total order purchase price] X 100 ==Taxes%
R9/38 X100 = ≈23 %

Hence either you’ll pay at till R47, or your remaining sum will be paid later when buying some groceries.

More Real World Examples Continued:

If decisions to go ‘green’ are on the cards and being eco-friendly is important in day-to-day life then figuring out estimated carbon footprint from daily activities could translate into coming up with biomass values for example.

Or more commonly used today while watching shows such as “MasterChef” where a recipe calls for measuring ingredients by cups,

Method Four: Metric Conversions

Metric System – an international decimalised system of measurement covering masses, lengths and other physical phenomena created during the French Revolution – suddenly becomes relevant once again.

For conversions between units:

Volume = Mass / Density

So here we simplify…
One cup equals 0.236588 liters of fluid divided by mass density (which changes per kind of ingredient). As much as metrics have never really stuck around comprehension-wise, it’s the way forward to deal with things like converting temp readings from Fahrenheit to Celsius(Add formula no3!).

While maths can seem tedious, there’s something truly special about getting those complex problems just right; it’s a feeling unlike any other!

However at times sticking simple ratios work far better than delving so deep to show off mastery over trigonometry. Our suggestion? Keep calculating everything that comes your way. After all practice makes perfect!

And if you really do need help understanding more complicated equations including algebraic expressions…well that probably means going back to basics honestly (wink).

Happy Problem Solving Everyone!