Expert: Sherman D. - 10/15/2007

Question
Hello, I was wondering if you can help me solve the following problems.

32 is 14% of what number? I am stumped on this one.  Do I divide 32 by 14?  I forgot how to figure this one out.  
The next problem is solve for x in the following proportion:
x:2 = 3:7

Then I have to express the following proportion  2:5 = 4:10 using fractions.  How would I do that?

The last is solve for y in the following proportion:
2/y = 4/5.  Am I supposed to multiply each side by y?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Answer
of means times
is means equals

32 is 14% of x
32 = 14%x
32 = (14/100)x
32 = (7/50)x
1600 = 7x
x = (1600/7) or about 228.57

another way of doing it is

32/(.14) = 3200/14 = 1600/7

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x:2 = 3:7
: is the same as saying /
x/2 = 3/7
Multiply both sides by 2
x = (6/7)

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2:5 = 4:10
2/5 = 4/10

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2/y = 4/5
multiply both sides by y first
2 = 4y/5
multiply both sides by 5
10 = 4y
divide both sides by 4
y = (5/2)

another way to doing it, and a heck of a lot easier

2/y = 4/5
same as saying
y/2 = 5/4
multiply both sides by 2
y = 10/4
y = 5/2