39 is 50% of what number
The correct Answer and Explanation is:
To solve the problem “39 is 50% of what number,” we need to find the original number that 39 represents 50% of. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Understanding the problem:
The question states that 39 is 50% of an unknown number. This means 39 is half (50%) of the total value we need to find. - Setting up the equation:
Let the unknown number be represented by ( x ). If 39 is 50% of ( x ), then we can write the equation as:
[
39 = \frac{50}{100} \times x
]
or
[
39 = 0.5 \times x
] - Solving for ( x ):
To isolate ( x ), divide both sides of the equation by 0.5:
[
x = \frac{39}{0.5}
]
Dividing 39 by 0.5 is the same as multiplying 39 by 2:
[
x = 39 \times 2 = 78
]
So, the number that 39 is 50% of is 78.
Explanation:
This problem involves understanding percentages. In this case, 50% means “half” of something. So when we say 39 is 50% of a number, we are essentially stating that 39 is half of that number, and the task is to figure out what the whole number is if 39 represents one half.
We convert 50% to its decimal form, which is 0.5, because working with decimals simplifies the calculation. Setting up the equation ( 39 = 0.5 \times x ) and then solving for ( x ) allows us to determine that ( x = 78 ).
This type of problem is common in many real-life scenarios, such as figuring out discounts or proportions. If, for example, something costs $39 after a 50% discount, we know that the original price was $78. The concept of percentages is a fundamental mathematical tool used in everyday activities like shopping, financial calculations, and data analysis.
By solving the equation and reasoning through the process, we confirm that 39 is 50% of 78.