Ryan A. answered 02/18/15
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Experienced Math Tutor with A.S.-T Applied Math/B.A. Pure Mathematics
There is a formula: PB=A which is translated as percent(base)= amount.
Now look at the problem 60% of what is 241,800?
60% is just a percent(p),
of means multiplication in mathematics,
what is the base,
Is means equals,
241,800 is A
The P- means percent
B-means base (usually the biggest number or whole amount)
A= the amount
Step 1: In this case it is important to change the percent to a decimal because no mathematical calculations can be done by using a percent. So a really fast way and cool trick is to always move the decimal two spaces to the left when the number is in a percent. (I.e. multiplying by 1/100).
60% becomes .60
(When you take away the percent sign, picture an imaginary decimal where the percent sign is and move the decimal two to the left).
Step 2: then put the numbers given in the problem in the right spots.
so P=.60
B= unknown
A= 241,800
So by using the formula PB=A
.60B = 241,800
Then divide by .60 on both sides to clear the variable B (find B) because what you do to one side of an equation you must do to the other.
So 241,800/.60 = 403,000
so B= 403,000
Check: PB=A so .60(403,000) = A
and it does so we did it correctly! Woo!!