Percents, also known as percentages, are special because they provide a concise way to measure and compare parts of a whole, a concept which can be applied in many different sectors of life. Not only do percents provide numerical representations of certain measurements and thus make comparison much simpler, but they also allow one to determine the proportions between fractions, parts, and wholes. Percents are popular in business and finance, so much so that many large companies refer to them as their "language" to keep track of profits, losses, and investments. By using percents, it is easier to measure the growth or decline of a business compared to a previous period, as well as how a certain asset is doing within a company's overall portfolio. On the other hand, percentages can also be used in academia to track a student's grade over a course, and many organizations use them to assess certain performance metrics. Ultimately, percents provide a commonly understood way for people to measure and compare things that may vary in size, shape, quality, and structure. This flexibility in usage is especially beneficial for those in fields such as finance and education where measuring various ratios and proportions are essential to success. In addition, percentages are a great tool for analyzing data, identifying trends, making predictions, and much more.