Percent word problems

Learning Objectives Translate percent word problems into algebraic equations. Solve for an unknown part, whole, or percent in a given scenario. Calculate multi-step percent problems, such as discounts followed by sales tax. Solve problems involving percent increase and percent decrease. Apply percent calculations to real-world financial contexts like simple interest and commissions. Determine the original amount when given the final amount and the percent change. Ever see a 40% off sale and wonder what the final price will be after the 8% sales tax is added? 🛍️ Let's learn how to solve that! This tutorial will equip you with the strategies to deconstruct any percent word problem and translate it into a solvable equation. Mastering this skill is crucial not only for mat...

TermDefinitionExample PercentA ratio that represents a fraction of 100. The word 'percent' literally means 'per hundred'.25% is equivalent to the fraction 25/100 or the decimal 0.25. Base (The Whole)The original quantity or the entire amount that the percent is being taken of. In word problems, it often follows the word 'of'.In the phrase '40% of 200', the base is 200. Part (The Amount)The portion of the base that is being compared to the whole. In word problems, it is often associated with the word 'is'.In '40% of 200 is 80', the part is 80. Percent IncreaseThe percentage by which an original amount has grown.If a population grows from 500 to 600, the amount of increase is 100, which is a 20% increase from the original 500. Perc...

The Percent Equation Part = Percent * Whole Use this formula when you need to find the part, the percent, or the whole. Remember to convert the percent to a decimal or fraction before multiplying. For example, 25% becomes 0.25. The Percent Proportion \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}} = \frac{\text{Percent}}{100} This is an alternative to the percent equation. It sets up a proportion that can be solved using cross-multiplication. The 'is' number goes over the 'of' number. Percent Change Formula \text{Percent Change} = \frac{\text{New Value} - \text{Original Value}}{\text{Original Value}} \times 100\% Use this to find the percent increase or decrease. A positive result indicates an increase, while a negative result indicates a decrease. Simple In...