Final answer:
The original total number of items in the lost and found was 90 items, calculated by dividing the known loss of 27 items by the percentage loss, which was 30%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to determine the original total number of items in the lost and found if 27 items represent a 30% loss. To solve this problem, we consider the 27 items as 30% of the total, which we can call 'T'. Therefore, we can write an equation to represent this relationship: 0.30 * T = 27. To find the total number of items 'T', we divide both sides of the equation by 0.30:
T = 27 / 0.30
T = 90
Thus, the original total number of items in the lost and found was 90 items. The loss of 27 items is 30% of this total.
Percentages are a way of talking about parts of something in terms of 100. For example, if you have 25 out of 100 apples, you say you have 25%. It's like breaking things into pieces where the whole thing is 100%. It helps compare and understand how much of something you have compared to the total. If half of your friends are coming to a party, that's 50%. So, percentages are just a simple way to talk about parts and wholes, making it easier to understand and compare different amounts.