How to Solve the Percentage Problem on the TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam

Cracking the Code of Percentages: 70 is 35% of What?

When it comes to math, sometimes a simple problem can feel like a complicated maze. Perhaps you stumbled upon a question like this: What number does 70 represent when it is 35% of that number? You might've found yourself scratching your head, but fear not! With a little unpacking of percentages, this riddle will be as clear as day.

Understanding Percentages

First off, let's unravel what percentages really mean. Picture this: if you’ve ever gone to a sale and seen “30% off,” it sounds great, right? But what does that number represent? Percentages are simply a way of expressing a part of a hundred. So, 35% means 35 out of every 100. When solving problems like our question, we’re trying to find the whole—like figuring out how much your favorite shirt costs before the sale.

Let’s Break It Down

To find the original number represented by 70 at 35%, we can set up an equation. Let's call that number ( x ). The relationship can then be expressed mathematically, as follows:

[

0.35 \times x = 70

]

Now, to isolate our variable ( x ), we can rearrange our equation:

[

x = \frac{70}{0.35}

]

Hold on a second—what just happened there? By dividing 70 by 0.35, we’re not just throwing numbers around. We’re finding out what the whole number is when 70 represents a chunk of it (35% to be exact).

The Calculation

Now, doing the math, let’s break this down into steps you can follow easily:

1. Divide 70 by 0.35:

[

x = 70 \div 0.35

]

2. Calculating gives us ( x = 200 ).

Yes, that’s right—the original number is 200!

Wrap Your Head Around It

So, to put it simply: when 70 is 35% of a number, that number is 200. How can we think about this clearly? Well, if you visualize it, imagine having a full pie (that’s the full number, or 100%). If 35% of that pie is 70, then, naturally, if you had the whole pie, it would be much larger—specifically, it would indeed be 200!

This exercise is a great way to familiarize yourself with percentages. Riddled with everyday situations, percentages affect everything from budgeting to understanding grades. If you nail down how to find those whole values from parts, you’ll find yourself more comfortable tackling similar problems—not just in these neck of the woods, but really anywhere numerical comes into play.

Why Does It Matter?

But here’s a thought—why should you care about this sort of calculation? Beyond exams or tests, understanding percentages is crucial in everyday life. Grocery shopping, calculating discounts, figuring out tips, or even managing finances—percentages are everywhere! You want to know if you're really saving money or just spending with a fancy label.

Ask Yourself:

Have you ever been to a restaurant and wondered how much you should tip? Understanding percentages can make that decision a breeze. Let's say your bill's $80; a standard tip might be around 15% to 20%. Instead of stressing over what that may be, just quickly calculate 15% as ( 0.15 \times 80 ) and you’ll see, it’s $12. Perfect for a stress-free meal!

Real-World Application

Imagine this scenario: You’re at the market, and your favorite snacks are 25% off. The regular price? $4. What's the sale price? Just a smidgeon of percentage magic comes to the rescue! Calculate 25% of $4, which is a mere dollar, and your new price is just $3. What a deal!

The possibilities are endless. Learning and mastering how to dissect percentages gives you an edge not just in math-related matters, but in making daily decisions and handling your finances better.

In Conclusion

So remember, solving questions like "What number does 70 represent when it is 35% of that number?” is just the start. It's a stepping stone to grasping a tool that’s fundamental in navigating life’s everyday challenges. You might not need to find ( x ) daily, but understanding these concepts lays a solid groundwork for critical thinking and better decision-making skills.

Next time you face a percentage problem, instead of feeling daunted, approach it with curiosity. Embrace the challenge! After all, every calculation is just another adventure in the world of numbers. And who knows, maybe next time you’ll tackle that riddle with the finesse of a seasoned math whiz!