Problem Solving

If m > 0 and x is m percent of y, then, in terms of m, y is what percent of x?

A. 100m
B. 1/(100m)
C. 1/m
D. 10/m
E. 10000/m

One approach is to plug in some numbers that meet the given condition.

x is m percent of y
How about 10 is 25 percent of 40
So, x = 10, m = 25 and y = 40
Great, so these values satisfy the given condition. Now onto . . .

in terms of m, y is what percent of x?
In other words, 40 is what percent of 10?
Well, 40 is 400 percent of 10

So, we need an answer choice that yields an output of 400, when m = 25. Let's plug 25 in for m . . .

A. 100(25) = 2500 NOPE
B. 1/[100(25)] = 1/2500 NOPE
C. 1/25 = 1/25 NOPE
D. 10/25 = 2/5 NOPE
E. 10000/25 = 400 BINGO!

Answer: E

Try plugging in your own set of values that meet the given condition.

Cheers,
Brent