Arithmetic Reasoning
Yesterday I presented a question on percentages.
What is 30% of 50?
Being able to work with percentages is an important skill to master in preparing for the Arithmetic Reasoning section of the ASVAB. Percentages are one of the 15 subtopics that I review in one of my ASVAB books entitled, The ASVAB Tutor’s Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide. Today’s problem can be solved in two different ways.
It can be solved as a proportion using this format:
is/of = %/100
What is 30% of 50?
30% is the “percent”
50 is the “of”
The “is” is missing.
x/50 = 30/100
Cross multiply and solve for x.
100x = 1500
Divide by 100.
x = 15
Another way to solve this problem is to change 30% to a decimal and multiply by 50.
30% = .30
.30 x 50 = 15
Which way is easier for you?
