55% of what number is 33?

1 Answer
Jan 7, 2017

55% of 60 is 33

Explanation:

First, let's call the number we are looking for #n#.

"Percent" or "%" means "out of 100" or "per 100", Therefore 55% can be written as #55/100#.

When dealing with percents the word "of" means "times" or "to multiply".

Putting this altogether we can write this equation and solve for #n# while keeping the equation balanced:

#55/100 xx n = 33#

#color(red)(100)/color(blue)(55 ) xx 55/100 xx n = color(red)(100)/color(blue)(55 ) xx 33#

#cancel(color(red)(100))/cancel(color(blue)(55 )) xx color(blue)(cancel(color(black)(55)))/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(100))) xx n = 3300/color(blue)(55 )#

#n = 60#