SOLUTION: I would like to know the formula for subtracting a percentage from a whole. For example: 550-(minus)30%. I am sure this is easy but I have no clue. I can add 30% but I cannot fig

Algebra ->  Percentages: Solvers, Trainers, Word Problems and pie charts -> SOLUTION: I would like to know the formula for subtracting a percentage from a whole. For example: 550-(minus)30%. I am sure this is easy but I have no clue. I can add 30% but I cannot fig      Log On


   

Question 511801: I would like to know the formula for subtracting a percentage from a whole. For example: 550-(minus)30%.
I am sure this is easy but I have no clue. I can add 30% but I cannot figure out how to back it out of(or subtract it from)the whole.
Having never taken any kind of algebra I cannot articulate the jargon either.
Thank you for your help
Answer by oberobic(2304) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
There are a couple of ways of looking at this problem.
.
You can calculate the percentage and subtract.
x = 550
30% x = .3(550) = 165
550 - 165 = 385
.
Or you can subtract the percentage from 100% and multiply by the result.
100% -30% = 70%
70% * 550 = .7 * 550 = 385
.
Done.