Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 5.5
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This problem links a product to a percentage of a known number. The approach is to first compute the percentage value on the right-hand side, then divide by the given factor to isolate the unknown. It is a basic algebra step often used in scaling and proportion exercises.
Given Data / Assumptions:
We must solve ? * 15 = 37.5% of 220.
Concept / Approach:
Compute 37.5% of 220 using decimal form: 37.5% = 0.375. Then 0.375 * 220 gives the RHS. Finally, divide by 15 to obtain the unknown ?. Keep calculations precise to avoid rounding errors.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Back-substitute: 5.5 * 15 = 82.5, which matches the computed percentage value. Consistency confirmed.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
82.5 is the RHS value, not ?. 8250 is a misplaced scaling. 11 would give 165 on the left. 7.5 would give 112.5, both inconsistent with 82.5.
Common Pitfalls:
Using 0.35 instead of 0.375 for 37.5% or forgetting to divide by 15 at the final step.
Final Answer:
5.5
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