GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersEasy
A quality control inspector found 12 defective items in a batch of 300 items. What percentage of the items were defective?
- A3%
- B4%
- C12%
- D25%
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 4%
To find the percentage, divide the number of defective items by the total number of items, then multiply by 100. (12 / 300) * 100 = 0.04 * 100 = 4%.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is an incorrect calculation, possibly 300/12 * 100 or a misplacement of the decimal.
- C. This is simply the number of defective items, not a percentage.
- D. This would be if 75 items were defective (1/4 of 300).
Converting Fraction to Percentage
To express a fraction (part/whole) as a percentage, divide the part by the whole to get a decimal, then multiply the decimal by 100.
- Percentage means 'out of one hundred'.
- Formula: (Part / Whole) * 100%.
- Useful for comparing different ratios.
Memory trick: Part over whole, then times a hundred for the goal.