---
title: "Fractions and percentages of amounts"
description: "Interpret fractions and percentages as operators: find a fraction or percentage of an amount by multiplying, understanding that 'of' means multiply (e.g., 3/4 of 200 = 3/4 × 200 = 150)"
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source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fractions-and-percentages-of-amounts-mt_J339bO7qLe.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Fractions and percentages of amounts

Interpret fractions and percentages as operators: find a fraction or percentage of an amount by multiplying, understanding that 'of' means multiply (e.g., 3/4 of 200 = 3/4 × 200 = 150)

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 11 to 12
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fractions-and-percentages-of-amounts-mt_J339bO7qLe

## Ready when they can

- Calculate a fraction of a given amount by multiplying
- Calculate a percentage of a given amount by converting to a decimal and multiplying
- Use the operator interpretation to solve multi-step problems involving discounts, taxes, and portions

## Lesson: The word 'of' means multiply

In maths, the word 'of' is a hidden multiply sign. When you read '3/4 of 200', it means 3/4 × 200. Once you spot 'of' next to a fraction or a percentage, you know exactly what to do: multiply.

*(drawing: 3/4 means 3 shaded parts out of 4 equal parts. To use it as an operator, multiply by that fraction.)*

**Example.** Find 3/4 of 200. First divide by the bottom number: 200 ÷ 4 = 50. That is one part. Then multiply by the top number: 50 × 3 = 150. So 3/4 of 200 is 150.

Percentages work the same way. 'Percent' means 'out of 100', so change the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100, then multiply. For 20% of 50: 20 ÷ 100 = 0.20, and 0.20 × 50 = 10.

**Tip.** For a discount or tax problem, find the percentage of the amount first. That first answer is not the final answer. Subtract it from (or add it to) the original amount to finish the job.

**Recap.** See 'of' with a fraction or percentage? Turn it into a multiply, find the piece, then finish the problem.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Percentages as fractions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/percentages-as-fractions-mt_ALUrJpY0cZ)
- [Real-world fraction multiplication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/real-world-fraction-multiplication-mt_lvaSGHwvQ5)

## Opens up

- [Dividing fractions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/dividing-fractions-mt_9Y96vxG_LH)