Answer:
400 passengers
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the problem, a proportion would be best!
First, let's set up the left side of the proportion. Percents, when used in parts, are always part of 100%, making 100% a whole. We'll use both 10% and 100% as our first fraction, which should look something like this:
(with <em>p </em>standing for <em>part </em>and <em>w</em> standing for the <em>whole</em>)
Next, let's set up the right side of our proportion. We'll use the 40 for our part and x for our whole since that is the number we are solving for. The proportion should now look like this:
To solve, just cross multiply and divide! Multiply 40 by 100 to give you 4,000. Next, divide 4,000 by the remaining 10 to give you a final answer of 400. If 40 passengers on the flight are in first class, then there are 400 total passengers. Hope this helps!