Understanding percentages is essential in daily life, especially when dealing with sales, discounts, and financial calculations. A common question many encounter is: “60 percent of what number equals 30?” Let’s break this down step by step to understand how to solve it.
Step 1: Translate the Question into a Mathematical Equation
First, express the problem mathematically. The phrase “60 percent of what number is 30” can be written as:
60% × X=30
Where X is the unknown number, we’re trying to find.
Step 2: Convert the Percentage to a Decimal
To solve the equation, we need to convert 60 percent into a decimal. This is done by dividing 60 by 100:
60%=60/100​=0.60
Now the equation looks like this:
0.60×X=30
X=30/
Step 3: Solve for X
To find the value of X, we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. To do this, divide both sides of the equation by 0.60:
X=30/0.60​
Step 4: Perform the Calculation
Now, perform the division:
X=50X = 50
So, the number we’re looking for is 50.
Step 5: Verification
To verify, we can check that 60 percent of 50 equals 30:
Thus, the solution is correct.
Conclusion
The number you’re looking for is 50 because 60 percent of 50 equals 30. Understanding how to solve percentage problems like this one helps you gain more control over calculations and improve your ability to manage numbers in various situations, whether in shopping, budgeting, or other areas of life.