You have to learn how to translate some common words into
algebraic expressions and equations.
Here are a few:
"is" means "equals".
When you see "is", write an 'equals sign. ( = ).
"percent" or the symbol " % " means "divided by 100".
When you see (a number) with 'percent' or ' % ' after it,
write (the number) 'divided by 100'.
"of" means "times".
When you see "of", write 'times' or whatever symbol you like to use for it.
A fraction-bar ( / ) and 'divided by' mean the same thing.
When you see either one, you can always write the other one if you want to.
Examples:
' 1 divided by 2 ' means 1/2 .
47/54 means ' 47 divided by 54 '.
Now we're ready to look at the example in your question:
What number is 74% of 58 ?
Translation: Answer = 74/100 times 58
Look how simple that is !
Just punch that into your calculator, or work it out with a pencil,
and you've got it.
Answer = (74 x 58) divided by 100 = 42.92