300 is 60% of what number?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To find out what number 300 is 60% of, we can set up a basic algebraic equation. We’ll let ( x ) represent the unknown number we’re trying to find.
Step 1: Set up the equation
Since 300 is 60% of ( x ), we can express this relationship as:
[
300 = 0.60 \times x
]
Step 2: Solve for ( x )
To isolate ( x ), we divide both sides of the equation by 0.60:
[
x = \frac{300}{0.60}
]
Calculating this:
[
x = 500
]
So, 300 is 60% of 500.
Answer: The correct answer is 500.
Explanation:
To understand why 500 is the correct answer, let’s break down the concept of percentages. A percentage represents a portion out of 100. When we say that 300 is 60% of some number, we’re saying that 300 is equal to 60 parts out of 100 of that unknown number.
Here’s how this works in a step-by-step way:
- Identify the percent and the “whole”: We know that 300 represents 60% of an unknown whole number, which is our ( x ).
- Convert the percentage to decimal form: 60% can be converted into decimal form by dividing it by 100, which gives us 0.60. This decimal form makes it easier to perform multiplication and division operations.
- Set up and solve the equation: By setting 300 equal to 0.60 times ( x ), we created an equation that allows us to isolate ( x ) by dividing both sides by 0.60. Dividing 300 by 0.60 effectively asks, “If 60% of a number is 300, what is the full (100%) value of that number?”
- Verify the result: Multiplying 500 by 0.60 confirms that 300 is indeed 60% of 500.
Understanding how to solve this type of problem is useful because it applies not only to finding unknowns in percentage problems but also in various real-life applications, such as calculating discounts, tax, or even understanding statistical data.