Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
When you see "x is 25% of 80," you're being asked: what number do you get when you take 25% of 80?
The formula is straightforward:
**x = (25/100) × 80**
Let's work it:
- x = 0.25 × 80
- x = 20
You can also think of it as fractions: 25% = ¼, so you're finding one-quarter of 80.
- 80 ÷ 4 = 20 ✓
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **A (10)**: You might calculate 25% of 40 instead, or divide 80 by 8 by mistake.
- **B (15)**: This looks "in the middle" but has no mathematical basis here — pure distraction.
- **D (25)**: The trap of just picking the percentage itself! The question gives you 25%, but that's not the answer.
**Quick takeaway**
"Percent *of*" means multiply: convert the percentage to a decimal (or fraction), then multiply by the number — so 25% of 80 = 0.25 × 80 = 20.
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