Using Percent Equations
Objective Learn to solve percent problems
involving percents.
There are many practical problems that use the concept of
percent. In this lesson, you will be shown several ways that
percents are used. There are good reasons for using percents
rather than fractions. Here is a rather easy example.
Using Percents
Example 1
Which fraction is greater, or ?
Solution
First, write each fraction as a percent. Then compare the
percentages. Remember that a percent is a ratio that compares a
number to 100.
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4 · 100 |
= 7 · x |
Write the cross products. |
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Divide each side by 7. |
57.1 |
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So, is about 57.1%.
Now express as a percent.
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6 · 100 |
= 11 · x |
Write the cross products. |
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Divide each side by 11. |
54.5 |
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So, is about 54.5%. Since
57.1% > 54.5%, it follows that .
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