Percentage question reall EASY for you.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percentage of a smaller opening (a door and a window) relative to a larger wall area. Participants explore the mathematical process of determining this percentage, including the use of fractions and equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in calculating what percentage 7.8 m² is of 87 m².
  • Several participants provide hints and examples using the fraction 3/4 to illustrate percentage calculation, but some express confusion about the relevance of this example.
  • Another participant explains that the percentage can be calculated using the formula \( P = \frac{a}{b} \cdot 100 \), where \( a \) is the smaller area and \( b \) is the larger area.
  • There is a request for clarification on how the value 75 is derived in the context of the percentage calculation.
  • One participant expresses a lack of confidence in their mathematical skills and asks for a breakdown of the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of calculating percentages, but there is confusion regarding the specific application of the example provided and the derivation of certain values. The discussion remains unresolved as some participants continue to seek clarification.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the mathematical concepts involved, and there are indications of varying levels of understanding among the contributors. The discussion includes references to different mathematical operations and their applications in percentage calculations.

mark321
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Can you help me figure out a percentage of an opening in a wall that is 87 m²?

What percentage is the smaller opening (door and a window: 7.8 m²) of the large wall?

Thanks,

I told you it was easy! :)
 
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Hint: 3/4 = 0.75 and 3 is 75% of 4.
 
<Hint: 3/4 = 0.75 and 3 is 75% of 4. >

Sorry I don't get it.

The areas I have indicated are Square Meters - m2
 
mark321 said:
<Hint: 3/4 = 0.75 and 3 is 75% of 4. >

Sorry I don't get it.

The areas I have indicated are Square Meters - m2

$x$ is the same percentage of $y$, no matter what kinds of quantities they represent, of course as long as they are both the same. It would of course be meaningless to ask what percentage of a kilogram a square meter is. For example 3 miles is 50% of 6 miles, just as 3 apples is 50% of 6 apples.

Look again at what greg1313 posted...how did he determine that 3 is 75% of 4? What arithmetic operation did he use?
 
View attachment 5456

View attachment 5457

Please refer to the attached Sketch. You guys sound like you know Math. Trust me when I say... I don't. Never did, since grade 6 it started to even get worse!

So of you guys would be so kind as to break this down.. youve heard of different books n diff topics for 'Dummies' then they have a set for 'Idiots'... Thats kind of where I'm at! :(

Thanks.
 

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Percentage is a quantity out of 100. So, using the example I gave above, we have

$$\dfrac34=\dfrac{x}{100}$$

Solving for $x$ gives $x=75$, as follows:

$$\dfrac34=\dfrac{x}{100}$$

Multiply through by $100$:

$$\dfrac{300}{4}=x,\quad x=75$$

Using the quantities given in your problem we have

$$\dfrac{7.8}{87}=\dfrac{x}{100}$$

Can you solve for x? (A calculator will come in handy).
 
As much I'd really like to but I actually don't understand where x=75.
Where did the 75 come from. I have other areas I have to calculate Tomorrow morning so please feel free to demonstrate on the 87 m2 equation.

Thanks so much for breaking it down as u did!

It's all about the 75! But do I feel dumb!☺
 
mark321 said:
As much I'd really like to but I actually don't understand where x=75.
Where did the 75 come from. I have other areas I have to calculate Tomorrow morning so please feel free to demonstrate on the 87 m2 equation.

Thanks so much for breaking it down as u did!

It's all about the 75! But do I feel dumb!☺

$$x=\frac{300}{4}=\frac{4\cdot75}{4}=\frac{\cancel{4}\cdot75}{\cancel{4}}=75$$

If I want to find what percentage $P$ that $a$ is of $b$, I would write:

$$P=\frac{a}{b}\cdot100$$

This tells me to take $a$, divide it by $b$, then multiply that quotient by 100.

If you solve the equation greg1313 gave you:

$$\dfrac{7.8}{87}=\dfrac{x}{100}$$

for $x$ (using the same steps he showed you when getting $x=75$), that's what the resulting formula would in effect instruct you to do. :)
 

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