Math Word Problems Demystified - A Self Teaching Guide

In the top of the circle, place the part (P). In the lower left portion of the

circle, place the rate (%), and in the lower right portion, place the base (B).

Now if you are given the bottom two numbers, multiply. That is,P¼RB.

If you are given the top number (the part) and one of the bottom numbers,

divide to find the other number. That is,R¼PBorB¼PR. See Figure 5-2.

There are three types of percent problems. They are

Type 1: Finding the part.

Type 2: Finding the rate.

Type 3: Finding the base.

In order to solve percent problems, read the problem and identify the

base, rate, and part. One of the three will be the unknown. Substitute the

two known quantities in the circle and use the correct formula to find

the unknown value. Be sure to change the percent to a decimal before

multiplying or dividing.

Fig. 5-1.

Fig. 5-2.

44 LESSON 5 Using Percents