Determining a percentage of a whole number is a fundamental mathematical operation. In the specific case of finding ten percent of two hundred thousand, the process involves multiplying the whole number by the decimal equivalent of the percentage. This calculation yields a result of twenty thousand.
Understanding percentage calculations is essential in various contexts, from financial analysis to statistical reporting. It allows for the quantification of proportions and the comparison of data across different scales. Historically, the concept of percentages has been used for centuries to represent fractions in a standardized and easily interpretable format, facilitating trade, taxation, and scientific analysis.