What number is 160% of 15.8?

Explanation

We will look for the key words is, of, and what number in the percent sentence and translate them to mathematical symbols to form a percent equation.  Then it will be clear what operation needs to be performed to find the unknown number.

First, we translate

What number is 160% of 15.8?

x = 160% • 15.8

Write 160% as a decimal: 160% = 1.6

x = 1.6 • 15.8

Do the multiplication

x = 25.28

Thus, 25.28 is 160% of 15.8.  In this case, the amount exceeds the base because the percent is more than 100%.