percents, interest, and averages

Question

In a survey of 51,321 high school seniors , 26% admitted to using marijuana at least once and 87% admitted to using alcohol. 

 

A. How many more students used alcohol than marijuana? 

Answer 1

Marijuana:  26% of 51321 = .26(51321) = 13343.46 or 13343 used marijuana

 

Alcohol:  87% of 51321 = .87(51321) = 44649.27 or 44649 used alcohol

 

Difference:  44649 - 13343 = 31306 more students used alcohol than marijuana