When a known quantity represents a familiar percent of an unknown whole, the learner interprets the percent as a fraction out of 100 and finds the whole by scaling the known part to 100%, using representations such as a 100-grid, bar model, equivalent fraction, or an equation such as . This reasoning distinguishes part from whole and connects division by a percent written as a fraction or decimal to inverse proportional reasoning; it does not include complex, compound, or nonterminating-percent cases.
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Detailed Explanation: Find the whole from a simple percent
A percent tells how many parts out of 100 make up the known quantity.
Example: is of what number?
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Identify the part and the whole.
The known part is . The whole is unknown, so call it . -
Rewrite the percent as a fraction.
So, is of the whole.
- Scale the part up to the whole.
If of the whole is , then equal parts make the whole:
- State the answer.
You can also write this as an equation:
Since , multiply by to find .
Check: of is of , which is .
Learn by doing: Find the whole from a simple percent
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Percent - one number is a given percent of another (1% multiples)
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Download/Modify Free Grade 6 'Find the whole from a simple percent' Worksheet
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This Worksheet Includes:
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (1% multiples)
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (10% multiples)
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (5% multiples)
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (5% multiples) - Picture Question
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (5%) - Picture Question
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (10% multiples) - Picture Question
- Percent as Equivalent Fraction - Grid to Answer (10%)
- Percent - one number is a given percent of another (10%) - Picture Question
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