The symbol "%" represents "percent," which means "per hundred." It is used to express a number as a fraction of 100. For example, if you have 25 out of 100 apples, you can say you have 25%. This makes it easier to compare different quantities, as percentages standardize values to a common scale. Percentages are commonly used in various fields, such as finance, statistics, and education. For instance, in finance, a bank might offer an interest rate of 5%, meaning you earn 5 dollars for every 100 dollars deposited. Understanding percentages helps in making informed decisions in everyday life.