Question

Jamey says she only has 30% of her book to go before she finishes it. she has read 147 pages so far

Answer 1

Let's just change your problem to 147 of 30% 

"Of" is always equaling to multiplication (×)

Now, it would be easier to simplify 

30% (147)
30% ÷ 100 = 0.3
0.3(147)
Now, we get to your answer which might be 44.1