7.4.c Percent Equations

A percent equation is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between the part, whole, and percent. It is often written as part = percent x whole.

'Part' refers to the portion of the whole that is being considered, often represented as a number.

'Whole' refers to the total amount or the entire quantity from which the part is taken.

'Percent' refers to a ratio expressed as a fraction of 100, indicating how much of the whole is represented by the part.

To find the whole, use the equation: whole = part / percent. Here, whole = 60 / 0.20 = 300.

The formula to find the part is: part = percent x whole.

To find the number, use the equation: whole = part / percent. Here, whole = 12 / 0.50 = 24.

In this equation, w represents the total number of specials sold at the restaurant.

Identify what is being asked: if you need a portion of a total, you're finding part; if you need the total amount, you're finding whole; if you need the ratio, you're finding percent.

The first step is to identify what you are looking for: part, whole, or percent.