The discussion revolves around calculating the percentage difference in potassium content between dandelions and lettuce, specifically comparing 231 mg of potassium in dandelions to 93 mg in lettuce. Participants are exploring how to express this difference in percentage terms.
There is ongoing exploration of the correct approach to calculating the percentage difference, with some participants providing guidance on the formulae involved. Multiple interpretations of the question are being considered, particularly regarding the reference points for the percentage calculations.
Some participants note the importance of comparing equivalent quantities, suggesting that the comparison may not be valid without considering serving sizes or weights of the dandelion and lettuce.
gerben said:(1) How much more is there in dandelion than in lettuce?
Answer: (amount in dandelion) - (amount in lettuce)
(2) What percentage is this of the amount of potassium in ...
gerben said:I left the... to make clear you still had to decide whether you want to know either A or B:
A: (how much more (%wise) is there of potassium in dandelions than in lettuce) relative to the amount in lettuce.
B: (how much more (%wise) is there of potassium in dandelions than in lettuce) relative to the amount in dandelion.
In a way, you're comparing apples to oranges here. The only way you can compare percentages of potassium in dandelions and lettuce is to compare quantities that are comparable. You say there are 231 mg of potassium (K) in a dandelion. How big a serving of lettuce contains the 93 mg of K? Unless otherwise stated you should be comparing one dandelion with an amount of lettuce of about the same weight.lha08 said:So I'm drawing a complete blank on how to figure out some easy math...like given that there is 231 mg of potassium in a dandelion and 93 mg of potassium in lettuce, how much more (%wise) is there of potassium in dandelions...