Commercials

Explanation

We will begin by finding the amount of decrease in Jared Fogle’s weight. Then we can calculate what percent of his original 425-pound weight that the decrease represents.

Solution

First we find the amount of decrease in his weight

• Subtract his new weight from his weight before going on the weight-loss program
  • 425 - 187 = 238

Hi weight decreased by 238 pounds.

Next, we find what percent of his original 425 weight the 238-pound decrease represents by translating the problem into a percent equation (or percent proportion) and solving it.

• Translate
  • 238 is what percent of 425?
  • 238 = x • 425
• This is the equation to solve
  • 238 = x • 425
• To isolate x on the right side, divide both sides of the equation by 425.  Then remove the common factor of 425 from the numerator and denominator.
  • \(\require{cancel} \frac{238}{425} = \frac{x \cdot \cancel{425}^1}{\cancel{425}_1}\)
• Divide 238 by 425
  • 0.56 = x
• To write the decimal 0.56 as a percent, multiply it by 100 by moving the decimal point two places to the right, and then insert a % symbol
  • 056% = x
• 56% = x