Solving Percent Problems Using the Percent Equation

Math with Mr. J

This instructional video provides a comprehensive guide to solving percent problems using the percent equation (Percent w Whole = Part). The instructor, Mr. J, breaks down the process into three distinct sections: finding the whole, finding the part, and finding the percent. Each section includes two detailed examples that demonstrate how to set up the equation, substitute known values, and solve for the unknown variable using algebraic steps. The video emphasizes key algebraic concepts such as isolating the variable using inverse operations (division and multiplication) and converting between percentages and decimals. Mr. J explicitly models how to interpret word problems by associating the word "of" with multiplication/the whole and "is" with the equal sign/the part. He also addresses interpreting repeating decimals and rounding, providing a complete procedural framework for students. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent direct instruction tool or review material for middle school math units on ratios and proportional relationships. It supports learning by visualizing the step-by-step algebraic process on a digital chalkboard, making it ideal for students transitioning from visual models to abstract algebraic methods for solving percent problems.