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Maths question: please help

7 replies

CherryValanc · 13/07/2020 19:39

If 60% of a number is x/2, then what is 40% of the same number?

It's decades since I did anything actual maths I've just discovered fractions still cause me to freeze!!

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 13/07/2020 19:41

60% = 0.5x
120% = x
40% = x/3

CherryValanc · 13/07/2020 19:58

Hmm, as simple as that? I'd never have got it - back to school for me.

Thanks!

OP posts:
lifesalongsong · 13/07/2020 20:03

You don't even need the middle step, just multiply x/2 by 40/60

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TeenPlusTwenties · 13/07/2020 20:03

There are different ways, but that was the simplest for your question I think.

If you think of it like cooking and making cakes it could help you:

60g sugar for half an egg (x/2)
so
120g you would need a whole egg (x)
and then for
40g you need a third of an egg (x/3)

TeenPlusTwenties · 13/07/2020 20:04

life yes, but then you have to know how to multiply by fractions, which it looked like the OP didn't!

CherryValanc · 13/07/2020 20:44

@TeenPlusTwenties

There are different ways, but that was the simplest for your question I think.

If you think of it like cooking and making cakes it could help you:

60g sugar for half an egg (x/2)
so
120g you would need a whole egg (x)
and then for
40g you need a third of an egg (x/3)

I could have figured the eggs out no problem! I'd have seem it as percentages and decimals though.

I just can't do fractions. My brain just goes pfft 🤯 I'd just freeze - it didn't even occur to me that x/2 = 0.5, even though it's as clear as day now it's been pointed out.

Multiplying fractions would have pushed me over the edge 😃, though thanks @lifesalongsong. Sadly my brain gives up when it sees a numerator and denominator.

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 14/07/2020 08:50

I always find pizza and cake helpful for fractions.
(Both drawing diagrams, and eating.)

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