160 is 20 percent of what number

160 is 20 percent of what number

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Correct Answer:

160 is 20 percent of 800.

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Explanation

To determine what number 160 is 20 percent of, we are solving a classic percentage problem. Here’s how we work through it step by step:

Step 1: Understand the problem

The question asks:
160 is 20% of what number?

Let the unknown number be X.

This statement can be written as:
20% of X=16020\% \text{ of } X = 160

In mathematical form: 0.20×X=1600.20 \times X = 160

Step 2: Solve for X

To isolate X, divide both sides of the equation by 0.20: X=1600.20X = \frac{160}{0.20}

Now calculate: X=800X = 800

So, 160 is 20% of 800.

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Step 3: Verify your answer

Let’s check our answer by calculating 20% of 800: 0.20×800=1600.20 \times 800 = 160

✅ This confirms that our solution is correct.

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Why this works

Percentages are a way to express a part of a whole. Saying “20% of a number” means “20 out of every 100 parts of that number.” So if 160 is 20% of something, that “something” must be larger—because you’re only looking at a fifth (20%) of the whole.

This kind of problem is common in real life:

• If 20% of your budget was spent on groceries and that amount is $160, then your total budget must be $800.
• Or, if 20% of a class got an A and 160 students got an A, then the class has 800 students.

Understanding how to reverse a percentage calculation like this is key in budgeting, business, and data analysis.