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# Percent Equations

## Equations to solve for rates, totals, and parts.

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Percent Equations

What if you knew that 25% of a number was equal to 24? How could you find that number? After completing this Concept, you'll be able to use the percent equation to solve problems like this one.

### Watch This

CK-12 Foundation: 0314S The Percent Equation (H264)

### Guidance

The percent equation is often used to solve problems. It goes like this:

Rate is the ratio that the percent represents ( in the second version).

Total is often called the base unit.

Part is the amount we are comparing with the base unit.

#### Example A

Find 25% of $80. Solution We are looking for the part. The total is$80. ‘of’ means multiply. is 25%, so we can use the second form of the equation: 25% of $80 is Part, or . , so the Part we are looking for is$20.

#### Example B

Express $90 as a percentage of$160.

Solution

This time we are looking for the rate. We are given the part ($90) and the total ($160). Using the rate equation, we get . Dividing both sides by 160 tells us that the rate is 0.5625, or 56.25%.

#### Example C

$50 is 15% of what total sum? Solution This time we are looking for the total. We are given the part ($50) and the rate (15%, or 0.15). Using the rate equation, we get . Dividing both sides by 0.15, we get . So $50 is 15% of$333.33.

Watch this video for help with the Examples above.

CK-12 Foundation: The Percent Equation

### Guided Practice

$96 is 12% of what total sum? Solution: This time we are looking for the total. We are given the part ($96) and the rate (12%, or 0.12). Using the rate equation, we get . Dividing both sides by 0.15, we get . So $96 is 12% of$800.

### Explore More

Find the following.

1. 30% of 90
2. 27% of 19
3. 16.7% of 199
4. 11.5% of 10.01
5. 0.003% of 1,217.46
6. 250% of 67
7. 34.5% of y
8. 17.02% of y
9. x% of 280
10. a% of 0.332
11. of

### Answers for Explore More Problems

To view the Explore More answers, open this PDF file and look for section 3.14.

### Texas Instruments Resources

In the CK-12 Texas Instruments Algebra I FlexBook® resource, there are graphing calculator activities designed to supplement the objectives for some of the lessons in this chapter. See http://www.ck12.org/flexr/chapter/9613.

### Vocabulary Language: English

Percent Equation

Percent Equation

The percent equation can be stated as: "Rate times Total equals Part," or "R% of Total is Part."