Find 20 percent of 120 using a simple and clear method. Choose the correct numerical value for this percentage of the given number.

Introduction / Context:
This question is a straightforward test of percentage calculation. Problems like this are common in many competitive exams and daily life, such as when computing discounts, tax, or simple proportions. Being able to quickly find 10 percent, 20 percent, and similar values is a useful mental math skill.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The base number is 120.
• The required percentage is 20 percent of this base.
• We assume no rounding is needed; the answer is an exact integer.

Concept / Approach:
To find p percent of a number N, use the formula p percent of N = (p / 100) * N. Here p = 20 and N = 120. An even faster method for this particular case is to note that 20 percent is the same as 1 / 5, since 20 / 100 reduces to 1 / 5. Multiplying 120 by 1 / 5 directly gives the answer with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write 20 percent as a fraction: 20 percent = 20 / 100. Step 2: Simplify 20 / 100 by dividing numerator and denominator by 20, giving 1 / 5. Step 3: Apply the fraction to the number: (1 / 5) * 120. Step 4: Divide 120 by 5 to get 24. Step 5: Therefore, 20 percent of 120 is 24.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can also go through 10 percent steps. Ten percent of 120 is 12. Since 20 percent is double 10 percent, 20 percent must be 12 * 2 = 24. This matches the earlier calculation, confirming the correctness of the result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 20 corresponds to about 16.67 percent of 120, not 20 percent.
• 32 is larger and equals about 26.67 percent of 120.
• 36 corresponds to 30 percent of 120, not 20 percent.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse 20 percent with one fifth but then mistakenly divide by 20 instead of 5. Others might multiply 120 by 20 and forget to divide by 100. Always remember that percent means “per hundred” and that you can simplify the fraction before multiplying for easier computation.

Final Answer:
20 percent of 120 is 24.