GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersEasy
A survey conducted among 150 employees showed that 40% prefer working from home, 30% prefer working in the office, and the rest have no preference. How many employees have no preference?
- A60
- B75
- C45
- D30
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 45
First, find the total percentage of employees who have a preference: 40% + 30% = 70%. Then, subtract this from 100% to find the percentage with no preference: 100% - 70% = 30%. Finally, calculate 30% of the total number of employees: 0.30 * 150 = 45 employees.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This is 40% of 150, which is the number who prefer working from home.
- B. Incorrect. This is 50% of 150.
- D. Incorrect. This is 20% of 150, or 30% if the total was 100.
Percentages of a Whole
Percentages of a whole represent parts of a total quantity, where the sum of all parts expressed as percentages equals 100%.
- The total is always 100%.
- To find a missing percentage, subtract known percentages from 100%.
- To find the number corresponding to a percentage, multiply the total by the percentage (expressed as a decimal).
- Ensure all parts are accounted for to sum to 100%.
Memory trick: Whole pie is 100; subtract the slices to find what's left for you.