The number we are looking for is 400, as 25% of 400 is equal to 100. We arrived at this by setting up the equation 0.25x = 100 and solving for x, which gives us x = 400. Therefore, the correct answer is E. 400.
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Represent the unknown number with x .
Express the given information as an equation: 0.25 x = 100 .
Solve for x by dividing both sides by 0.25: x = 0.25 100 .
Calculate the value of x : x = 400 , so the number is 400 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis Let's analyze the problem. We are given that 25% of a certain number is equal to 100, and our goal is to find that original number.
Setting up the Equation Let's denote the unknown number by x . The problem states that 25% of x is 100. We can write this as an equation: 0.25 × x = 100
Solving for x To solve for x , we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. We can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by 0.25: 0.25 0.25 × x = 0.25 100 x = 0.25 100
Finding the Number Now, we perform the division: x = 400 So, the number is 400.
Examples
Imagine you are saving money, and you have saved $100, which represents 25% of your total savings goal. This problem helps you calculate your total savings goal. If $100 is 25% of your goal, then you can calculate the full goal by dividing $100 by 0.25, which equals $400. This concept is useful in budgeting, financial planning, and understanding proportions in everyday life.