eli5 The percentage rule

Question

Can someone explain how/why X% of Y is equal to Y% of X? I know it’s true but I can’t figure out why. Thanks!

In: 10

Answer 1

Another way is with simple multiplication.

If you translate “x%” as (x • 0.01), then

x% of y = x • 0.01 • y

y% of x = y • 0.01 • x

And the commutative property says those two expressions are equal.

Answer 2

Another way is with simple multiplication.

If you translate “x%” as (x • 0.01), then

x% of y = x • 0.01 • y

y% of x = y • 0.01 • x

And the commutative property says those two expressions are equal.