Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 20%
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Problems comparing two quantities often ask “how much percent more/less.” The base for the percentage must be the quantity named after “than”. Here, B is compared to A, so A is the base.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
From A = (5/6)B, divide both sides by A to express B in terms of A, or directly compute (B − A)/A. This yields the percentage by which B exceeds A.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A = (5/6)B ⇒ B − A = B − (5/6)B = (1/6)B(B − A)/A = [(1/6)B] / [(5/6)B] = 1/5Percentage = (1/5) * 100 = 20%
Verification / Alternative check:
Let B = 60. Then A = 50. B is 10 more than A; 10/50 = 20%—consistent.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
12 1/2%, 15%, 16 2/3%, 25% stem from choosing the wrong base or arithmetic slips.
Common Pitfalls:
Using B as the base (computing (B − A)/B), which answers a different question and gives 16 2/3% instead of the requested 20%.
Final Answer:
20%
Discussion & Comments