Math Example--Percents--Equations with Percents: Example 13

Topic

Solving Equations

Description

This math example focuses on solving percent equations by asking "5 is what percent of 9?" The solution involves setting up the equation 9 * (x / 100) = 5, then solving for x to get x = 5 * (100 / 9), which is approximately 55.56%. This example introduces a new type of percent problem where students must find the percentage given two known values.

Solving equations with percents is a critical skill in mathematics that finds applications in various fields such as finance, statistics, and data analysis. These examples help students grasp the fundamental concept of relating two values through percentages and how to set up equations to solve for unknown percentages. This understanding forms the basis for more complex mathematical operations and real-world problem-solving scenarios, such as calculating percentage changes, analyzing proportions, or understanding relative values in different contexts.

Providing multiple worked-out examples is essential for students to fully comprehend this concept. Each new example reinforces the process while introducing different scenarios and number relationships. This approach allows students to recognize patterns, adapt their problem-solving strategies, and build confidence in handling diverse percentage-based calculations. By practicing with various value pairs, students develop a more nuanced understanding of how percentages relate different quantities and prepare for more advanced mathematical challenges they may encounter in higher education or professional settings.

Teacher Script: "Let's look at this new type of percent problem. We're asked, '5 is what percent of 9?' To solve this, we need to set up an equation. We know that the percent we're looking for, let's call it x%, of 9 equals 5. So, we can write 9 * (x / 100) = 5. Now, how do we solve for x? We multiply both sides by 100/9. This gives us x = 5 * (100 / 9), which is approximately 55.56%. Remember, when we're finding a percentage, we're essentially asking what fraction of the second number the first number represents, then converting that to a percentage. This type of problem is common in real-world scenarios, like calculating discounts, tax rates, or proportions in statistics."

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