A percent of a number can be found using multiplication.
Use the following tips to translate a percent problem to an equation.
- The "is" translates to an equal sign.
- Convert the percent to a decimal by moving the decimal point two spaces to the left and taking off the percent sign.
- The "of" translates to multiplication.
- Use a variable for an unknown value.
Translate the problem into an equation, and solve for the unknown value.
The "is" translates to an equal sign.
15% equals 0.15.
The "of" translates to multiplication.
A variable, x, is used for the unknown value.
15 | = | 0.15x |
15 ÷ 0.15 | = | 0.15x ÷ 0.15 |
100 | = | x |