PassCCAT
Percentages & ratios

How to solve percentages & ratios

Math & Logic

Reason about parts, proportions, and percentage change without a calculator.

Worked examples

Answers shown

Follow the steps on real items before you practise.

Example 1Difficulty 1

A company of 20 employees has 10% working remotely. How many work remotely?

Answer: A. Here is why:

  1. 10% of 20 = (10 / 100) × 20 = 2.
Example 2Difficulty 1

A machine valued at 70 dollars depreciates 20% in its first year. What is it worth afterward, in dollars?

Answer: C. Here is why:

  1. 20% of 70 = 14.
  2. 70 - 14 = 56.
Example 3Difficulty 1

An account holding 48 dollars earns simple interest of 25% per year. How much interest does it earn in one year?

Answer: E. Here is why:

  1. 25% of 48 = (25 / 100) × 48 = 12.