Find a quantity “60% less than” a given number: Which number is 60% less than 80?

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:

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