Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 200
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question requires careful interpretation of a verbal proportional statement and conversion to an equation. Once the relationship between the two numbers is clarified, computing the percentage difference is straightforward and relies on a basic percent-change formula.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
From A/12 = B/4, multiply both sides by 12 to get A = 3B. Percent greater is computed as ((A − B)/B) * 100%. Substitute A = 3B to obtain a numerical percentage independent of specific values of A and B.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Start: A/12 = B/4.Multiply by 12: A = 3B.Compute percent greater: ((A − B)/B) * 100% = ((3B − B)/B) * 100% = (2) * 100%.Therefore, A is 200% greater than B.
Verification / Alternative check:
Example: Let B = 10 → A = 30. Then A/12 = 2.5 and B/4 = 2.5, satisfying the condition. A is 200% greater than B since (30 − 10)/10 * 100% = 200%.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
150% and 300% misrepresent the 3:1 ratio; “Data inadequate” is incorrect because the proportional statement fully determines A/B; 100% would only hold for A = 2B.
Common Pitfalls:
Misreading the phrase and setting A/12 = 1/4 (numberless), or mixing dividend/divisor terminology; computing “percent of” instead of “percent greater than.”
Final Answer:
200
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