If 15\% of y is equal to 25\% of 180, what is the value of y? — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

If $15\%$ of $y$ is equal to $25\%$ of $180$ , what is the value of $y$ ?

The correct value of

y

300

The wording translates to the algebraic equation

0.15y = 0.25 \times 180

. First, evaluate the right side:

25\%

180

45

. The equation simplifies to

0.15y = 45

. To find the value of

y

, divide

45

0.15

, which yields

300

Translate the problem statement into an algebraic equation.

0.15y = 0.25 \times 180

15\%

y

' translates to

0.15y

, and '

25\%

180

' translates to

0.25 \times 180

Calculate

25\%

180

0.25 \times 180 = 45

Simplifying the right side of the equation makes it easier to isolate the variable.

Solve for

y

by dividing both sides by

0.15

y = \frac{45}{0.15} = 300

Dividing by the coefficient of

y

isolates the variable and provides the final answer.

Finding an unknown base using algebraic translation of percentage equations.

Question