Find a quantity “60% less than” a given number: Which number is 60% less than 80?
Aptitude
Percentage
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: 32
Explanation
Introduction / Context:“60% less than 80” means we remove 60% of 80 from 80. This phrasing often trips students who instead compute 80 − 60 or apply the percent incorrectly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Base number: 80.
- Reduction: 60% of 80.
Concept / Approach:Compute the retained portion: 100% − 60% = 40%. So the result is 40% of 80. Equivalently, result = 0.40 * 80.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute 60% of 80: 0.60 * 80 = 48.Subtract from 80: 80 − 48 = 32.Alternatively: 40% of 80 = 0.40 * 80 = 32.Verification / Alternative check:Since we keep 40% of 80, and 10% is 8, then 40% is 4 * 8 = 32 — same result.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 48 equals the amount subtracted, not the final remainder.
- 42 and 12 are unrelated to the correct 40% retention.
- 20 would be 75% less than 80, not 60% less.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “60% less than 80” with “80% of 60” or simply subtracting 60. Always apply the percent to the base number, then subtract.
Final Answer:32