Teaching Percent of Number in Middle School Math
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What method do you use for teaching percent of a number concepts in middle school math?
When I teach students to find the percent of a number (or the part or whole), I introduce two different ways to find the missing number - using proportions and using equations. Since different math students often prefer different methods, I teach both, have students practice both, and then let them choose the method they like better. I've given an example of each method below. The Percent of a Number Wheel shown here includes both methods. Each section of the wheel includes an equation and two examples, with room to solve using both methods. There's also a little room on the wheel (or around it) to add extra notes or your own examples, if you'd like. Around the wheel are a few practice problems that can be completed together or individually. ![]()
Method 2: Equation
1) When given the percent, change it to a decimal. 2) Substitute the given values into the equation. Use a variable for the missing number. 3) Solve the equation. * If finding the percent, be sure the answer is in percent form (multiply the decimal answer by 100). Example: What is 15% of 70? part = % ∙ whole x = 0.15 ∙ 70 x = 10.5 When we work with the equations, I do manipulate the equations to show students how they are all versions of the same basic equation. For example, if we start with part = % ∙ whole and we're looking for the whole (say the part is 35 and the percent is 25), we end up with 35 = 0.25 ∙ x. From solving algebraic equations, students know that to find x, both sides will be divided by 0.25, which gives them x = 35/0.25 (whole = part/%) If you decide to use the wheel, I hope you and your students like it! If you're looking for more percent of a number resources, check out the Percent of a Number Center Resources on TPT.
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7 Comments
Denise Autin
10/17/2017 04:06:08 am
Looking forward to showing the students your wheel!
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Ellie
1/18/2018 01:57:36 pm
I hope they liked it!
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Heather
1/7/2018 05:20:05 pm
Thank you! I have a review lesson in a couple days and this will be used!
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Ellie
1/14/2018 05:33:04 am
I hope they liked it and that it was helpful:-)
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Laura Streich
1/18/2018 08:16:48 am
This is so wonderful and great! I love it! I did find what I believe to be one mistake. On the bottom left corner it asks 7% of 75 is what number? When converting 7% to a decimal, it shows .7 instead of .07 making the answer 52.5 instead of 5.25. Thank you again for this wonderful addition to our interactive math notebooks!
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Ellie
1/18/2018 01:56:47 pm
Thank you so much for letting me know about the mistake! Talk about checking your answers and seeing if they're reasonable, lol - I missed that one!
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AuthorHey there! I'm Ellie - here to share math fun, best practices, and engaging, challenging, easy-prep activities ideas! Archives
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