“40% of students passed. That’s 120 people. How many students total?”
You already know the drill. 40% = 0.40. 120 ÷ 0.40 = 300. Total students: 300.
You just crushed a real-world problem. Pat yourself on the back. Or eat a cookie. Both work.
Quick Trick: The “Is Over Of” Method
Some people like this: “is” / “of” = percent/100. So “120 is 40% of what?” becomes 120 / x = 40 / 100.
Cross-multiply: 120 × 100 = 12,000. Then divide by 40 = 300. Same answer, fancier steps.
Use whichever feels less headache-y. I prefer the decimal method—it’s like taking the stairs instead of the escalator.
