Math Example--Percents--Equations with Percents: Example 10

Topic

Solving Equations

Description

This math example demonstrates solving percent equations by asking "What is 170% of 9.5?" The solution involves converting 170% to its decimal equivalent, 1.7, and then multiplying it by 9.5 to obtain the result of 16.15. This example combines a percentage greater than 100% with a decimal base number, further illustrating the versatility of the percent-to-decimal conversion method in complex scenarios.

Solving equations with percents is a fundamental skill in mathematics that has wide-ranging applications in finance, statistics, and everyday calculations. These examples help students understand the process of converting percentages to decimals and applying them to various numbers, including decimals and percentages exceeding 100%. This skill is crucial for more advanced mathematical concepts and real-world problem-solving scenarios, such as calculating compound interest, analyzing market growth, or understanding scientific phenomena that involve rapid increases.

The importance of presenting multiple worked-out examples cannot be overstated. Each new example reinforces the concept while introducing slight variations in percentages and base numbers. This approach helps students recognize patterns, adapt their problem-solving strategies, and gain confidence in their ability to handle diverse scenarios involving percentages. By practicing with different combinations of percentages above 100% and decimal numbers, students develop a more robust understanding of percentage calculations and their applications in real-world situations.

Teacher Script: "Now, let's tackle this next example together. We need to find 170% of 9.5. First, what do we do with the percentage? That's right, we convert it to a decimal by dividing by 100. So, 170% becomes 1.7. Now, we multiply this by our base number, 9.5. Can anyone tell me what 1.7 × 9.5 equals? Excellent, it's 16.15. Notice how we're following the same steps as before, but now we're working with a percentage above 100% and a decimal base number. This shows that our method works for various combinations of numbers, making it a powerful tool for solving percentage problems in real-world scenarios, such as calculating growth rates or increases in scientific or financial contexts."

For a complete collection of math examples related to Solving Equations click on this link: Math Examples: Equations with Percents Collection.