Using Proportions to Solve Percent Word Problems

Use this formula to solve percent problems

Sometimes is it hard to tell which number is the part

and which number is the whole. You can use "is over of " to help.

the number with "is" is the part

the number with "of" is the whole

There can be three possible "unknowns" for a percent problem:

1.) Percent2.) Part (number after the word "is")3.) Whole (number after the word "of")

*Always start the problem by deciding which is unknown

1.) What percent of 25 is 14?

2.) 24 is 30% of what number?

3.) What is 45% of 200?

6.) 15 is what percent of 5?

4.) 9 is what percent of 12?

5.) 18 is 45% of what number?

7.) A desert tortoise can go a year or more without drinking water. When it does drink, its body weight can increase by 40%. Suppose a desert tortoise weighs 15 pounds. How many pounds can the tortoise gain when it drinks?

8.) In the 2002 World Cup, 4 of the 32 soccer teams that competed were from South America. What percent of the teams were from South America?

9.) In a heptathlon, an athlete earns points in seven track and field events. Suppose an athlete earns 836 points in the 100 meter hurdles. This makes up 16% of her total score. What is her total score?