Question

A geologist visits 60 volcanoes in Alaska and California. 15% of the volcanoes are in California. How many volcanoes did the geologist visit in California and how many are in Alaska?

Answer 1

To solve this, first find out how many volcanoes were in California. As 15% were in California, you can multiply the total number of volcanoes by the percent IN DECIMAL FORM. To convert it to decimal form, divide it by 100, so 15/100=.15. Now multiply by your total to get the number of volcanoes in California (C), C=60*.15=9 volcanoes in California. To get the volcanoes in Alaska, yous subtract your volcanoes in California from your total, so 60-9=51 volcanoes in Alaska.