Question

In a parking garage, 40% of the total spaces have cars in them. The parking garage has 120 spaces.

Answer 1

120*.40= 48

There are 48 cars parked in the garage. (If that's what you meant to ask.:))

Answer 2

40% of 120 is 48, 48 cars are currently parked in the garage out of a total 120
 
work: percent means out of 100 so the 40%  would be 40/100 and that is equivalent to the decimal .4 so you take .4 multiply it by 120 and you should get 48.
.4(120)=48