Question

If 40% of a number is 56, then what was the original number?

Answer 1

Let x equal the number we're trying to find.

Convert percent to decimal by moving the % sign to the left two times and replacing it with a decimal.

.40x = 56

Divide both sides by .40

x = 140

Answer 2

40%= 56
1%= 56/40= 1.4
100%= 1.4 x 100= 140