16 Is 25 Of What Number

Solving "16 is 25% of What Number?" A Step-by-Step Guide

This article will guide you through solving the classic percentage problem: "16 is 25% of what number?" We'll break down the problem into simple steps, explain the underlying concepts, and provide you with a formula you can use to solve similar problems in the future. Understanding percentages is crucial in various aspects of life, from calculating discounts to understanding financial reports. This problem serves as a great example of how to approach percentage calculations effectively.

Understanding the Problem:

The question "16 is 25% of what number?" is asking us to find the whole number (the total) where 16 represents 25% of that total. We know a part (16) and the percentage (25%), and we need to find the whole. This is a common type of percentage problem.

Method 1: Using the Percentage Formula

The most straightforward method is using the basic percentage formula:

• Part = Percentage × Whole

We can rearrange this formula to solve for the "Whole" since that's what we're looking for:

• Whole = Part / Percentage

Now, let's plug in the values from our problem:

• Part = 16
• Percentage = 25% = 0.25 (Remember to convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100)

Therefore:

• Whole = 16 / 0.25 = 64

Therefore, 16 is 25% of 64.

Method 2: Using Proportions

Another approach involves setting up a proportion. We can represent the problem as a ratio:

• 16/x = 25/100

Where 'x' represents the unknown number we're trying to find. We can then cross-multiply and solve for x:

• 16 * 100 = 25 * x
• 1600 = 25x
• x = 1600 / 25 = 64

Again, we arrive at the answer: 64

Checking Your Answer:

It's always a good idea to check your answer. Let's verify if 25% of 64 is indeed 16:

• 0.25 * 64 = 16

The calculation confirms our answer is correct.

Applying this to Other Percentage Problems:

The methods explained above—using the formula or setting up a proportion—can be applied to various percentage problems. Simply substitute the known values into the formula or proportion and solve for the unknown variable. Remember always to convert percentages to decimals before performing the calculations. Practice will make you more confident and proficient in solving these types of problems. Whether you're calculating discounts, interest rates, or tax amounts, mastering percentage calculations will significantly improve your numerical literacy.

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