GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersEasy
A student scored 85% on a math test. If there were 40 questions on the test, how many questions did the student answer correctly?
- A34
- B36
- C32
- D30
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 34
To find the number of correct answers, convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply by the total number of questions: 85% = 0.85. Then, 0.85 * 40 = 34.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This could be a miscalculation, perhaps 90% of 40.
- C. This could be a miscalculation, perhaps 80% of 40.
- D. This could be a miscalculation, perhaps 75% of 40.
Percentage of a Number
To find a percentage of a number, convert the percentage to a decimal (divide by 100) and then multiply it by the given number.
- Percentage means 'per hundred'.
- To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide by 100 or move the decimal point two places to the left.
- Multiply the decimal equivalent by the total number.
Memory trick: Percent to decimal, then multiply, for the part you want to find.