How to Solve Percent Word Problems Using Equations

Math with Mr. J

This math tutorial by "Math with Mr. J" provides a clear, step-by-step demonstration of how to solve real-world percent problems using the percent equation (percent x whole = part). The video specifically tackles a word problem that asks students to determine what percentage of a high school's total student body is comprised of seniors. It walks viewers through the entire process: identifying the known and unknown variables, calculating the total population to find the "whole," setting up the algebraic equation, and performing the necessary inverse operations to solve for the missing percentage. The video explores key mathematical themes including algebraic reasoning, variable isolation, and data interpretation from lists. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the "part," the "whole," and the "percent." Additionally, it covers practical arithmetic skills such as summing multiple values to find a total, performing division to isolate a variable, converting a decimal result into a percentage by moving the decimal point, and rounding to the nearest whole number. For educators, this video serves as an excellent instructional tool or review resource for units on ratios, proportional reasoning, and percentages. Its visual approach—using a digital chalkboard and color-coded text—helps students focus on the structure of the equation. Teachers can use this video to model how to extract relevant information from word problems (like realizing the "whole" must be calculated by adding up all class sizes) and to reinforce the procedure for converting decimals to percentages in a meaningful context.