Whenever I have a problem like this, I resort to good old algebra. Just take what you know and put it into an equation, making the variable what you want to know. Then just solve for the variable, and you've got your answer.
Let's say in this case you want to know the total amount you make, before taxes. We'll call that 'x', and put it into an equation using what we know:
82% of 'x' is 279.50
Right? So, if we all remember our high school math class (ok ok so most of us don't, lol), when you say "...percent OF something", it means you're multiplying it. And, a percentage is read as a fraction over 100 of that number. So an equation would look like this:
(82/100)x = 279.50
Isolate x
x = 279.50 (100/82)
and let your calculator do the rest.
x = 340.85 approximately.
There are different ways of formulating the equation, depending on how you arrange your information. However the final answer should always be the same. I know it's confusing, but I hope it helps a little.
I've already answered the question at this point.... this next part is just for the hell of it. Now let's do the same thing, but arranging our information differently at the beginning. Let's say your starting statement is "the total I make minus taxes is 279.50".
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
279.5/.82=340.85
340.85x.18=279.50
Whenever I have a problem like this, I resort to good old algebra. Just take what you know and put it into an equation, making the variable what you want to know. Then just solve for the variable, and you've got your answer.
Let's say in this case you want to know the total amount you make, before taxes. We'll call that 'x', and put it into an equation using what we know:
82% of 'x' is 279.50
Right? So, if we all remember our high school math class (ok ok so most of us don't, lol), when you say "...percent OF something", it means you're multiplying it. And, a percentage is read as a fraction over 100 of that number. So an equation would look like this:
(82/100)x = 279.50
Isolate x
x = 279.50 (100/82)
and let your calculator do the rest.
x = 340.85 approximately.
There are different ways of formulating the equation, depending on how you arrange your information. However the final answer should always be the same. I know it's confusing, but I hope it helps a little.
I've already answered the question at this point.... this next part is just for the hell of it. Now let's do the same thing, but arranging our information differently at the beginning. Let's say your starting statement is "the total I make minus taxes is 279.50".
The total I make = x
Taxes = 18% of x = (18/100)x
So:
x - (18/100)x = 279.50
x (1 - 18/100) = 279.50
x ([100-18]/100) = 279.50
x (82/100) = 279.50
x = 279.50 (100/82)
See? Same conclusion.
:-)
279.50£ is 82% of the total that you have earned.
To find the total earned:
100/82 X 279.50
Hope that was helpful.
279.50 = 82% of the total gross amount you earned.
i.e. 100 % - 18% = 82%
ergo, .82x=279.50 pounds
divide each side of the equation by .82 and you have:
x= 279.50/.18= 61.35 pounds (this is the amount of tax)
279.5 + 61.35 = 340.85
to check we say: 340.85 - 61.35 = 279.50 (net pay)