200 is what percent of 40?

VJesus12 wrote:200 is what percent of 40?

A. 0.2%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 20%
E. 500%

Let p = the percent
So, we get: 200 = p percent of 40
Rewrite as: 200 = (p/100)(40)
So, we get: 200 = (40p)/100
Simplify right side: 200 = (2p)/5
Multiply both sides by 5 to get: 1000 = 2p
Solve: p = 500

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

First, this question is crazy easy because 200 is clearly greater than 40 and thus more than 100% of it, so only one answer choice is even in the ballpark.

Alternately, you should know that 100% of something is the number itself. "Double" = 200%. Triple = 300%, etc...so since 200 is 5 times 40, it's 500% of it.

One thing to watch out for on the GMAT is the difference between "200 is what percent OF 40" vs "200 is what percent GREATER than 40". The answers are not the same. While 200 is 500% of 40, it's 400% GREATER than 40 (because it's 160 greater, which is 4 times or 400% greater.)

Finally, for problems like this, you can easily translate the English into Math:
What..... x (variable)
is.... =
of..... x (multiply)
percent ....... /100

200 is what percent of 40?

200 = (x/100)(40)

x=500

VJesus12 wrote:200 is what percent of 40?

A. 0.2%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 20%
E. 500%

The OA is E.

What is the equation that solves this PS question? May someone helps me? Thanks in advanced.

40 is 100% of 40
So, 500 must be MORE THAN 100% of 40
We can eliminate A, B, C, and D

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent