40 Percent Of What Number Is 60

Solving "40 Percent of What Number is 60?" A Step-by-Step Guide

This article will guide you through solving the mathematical problem: "40 percent of what number is 60?" We'll break down the problem into simple steps, explain the underlying concepts, and offer practical applications. Understanding percentage calculations is crucial in various fields, from finance and budgeting to data analysis and everyday life. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to tackling similar percentage problems.

Understanding the Problem:

The question "40 percent of what number is 60?" can be translated into a mathematical equation. We're looking for an unknown number (let's call it 'x') where 40% of x equals 60. This can be written as:

0.40 * x = 60

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To work with percentages in equations, we convert them to decimals. 40% is equivalent to 0.40 (or simply 0.4).

2. Rewrite the equation: Substitute the decimal value into our equation:

   0.4 * x = 60

3. Isolate the variable (x): To find the value of 'x', we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. We do this by dividing both sides of the equation by 0.4:

   x = 60 / 0.4

4. Perform the calculation: Now, perform the division:

   x = 150

Therefore, 40 percent of 150 is 60.

Checking Your Answer:

It's always a good practice to check your answer. Let's verify if our solution is correct:

0.40 * 150 = 60

The equation holds true, confirming that our answer is accurate.

Practical Applications and Extensions:

Understanding percentage calculations is vital in various real-world scenarios. For example:

• Discounts: Calculating discounts in stores. If a product is discounted by 40%, and the sale price is $60, you can use this method to find the original price.
• Finance: Determining interest rates, calculating profits and losses, and understanding financial statements.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting percentages in surveys, polls, and statistical data.
• Everyday Life: Figuring out tips at restaurants, calculating sales tax, and understanding proportions in recipes.

Solving Similar Problems:

The method described above can be applied to solve various percentage problems. Simply replace the numbers with the values from your specific problem, and follow the same steps. Remember to always convert the percentage to a decimal before starting the calculation.

This detailed explanation provides a complete understanding of how to solve "40 percent of what number is 60?" and equips you with the skills to tackle similar percentage-based problems confidently. Remember to practice regularly to solidify your understanding of these essential mathematical concepts.