SOLUTION: 110 percent of what number is 56

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Question 706426: 110 percent of what number is 56
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let's break this problem down:
"110 percent"
As easy mistake is to try to use percents in calculations. Instead you should use the decimal or fraction equivalent. As a decimal 110 percent is 1.10 (or just 1.1). As a fraction 110 percent is 110/100 which reduces to 11/10.

"of"
When a problem talks about a fraction or a percent of something, then that "of" translates into a multiplication symbol.

"what number"
We use variables to represent unknown numbers. Often "x" is used.

"is"
Forms of the verb "to be" translate into an equals symbol (unless it is followed by "greater" or "less").
"56"
Numbers need no translation.

So "110 percent of what number is 56" translates into:
1.1%2Ax+=+56 if you use the decimal version of 110%; or
%2811%2F10%29%2Ax+=+56 is you use the fraction version of 110%.

If you use the decimal equation you end up with an infinitely repeating decimal. So I am going to use the fraction equation:
%2811%2F10%29%2Ax+=+56
We can more quickly find x if we multiply both sides by the reciprocal of 11/10:
%2810%2F11%29%2A%2811%2F10%29%2Ax+=+%2810%2F11%29%2A56
x+=+560%2F11+=+50%2610%2F11
So 110 percent of 50%2610%2F11 is 56.