A company has 320 employees. 50% of a% of these employees work remotely. This number equals b% of 800 employees at a partner company. If ab = 2000, what is the value of b?

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Comments

EyadJun 2

This one felt pretty straightforward once I set up the equation. Got it in under 2 minutes.

KamilJul 26

I'm stuck on the step where we set 50% of a% of 320 equal to b% of 800. Can someone explain how to simplify that?

ShayneAug 8

Write it as 0.5 * (a/100) * 320 = (b/100) * 800. Then simplify both sides.

VanyaJul 27

After simplifying, you get a relationship between a and b. Then use ab=2000.

RajeshAug 19

I like how this problem combines percentages with the ab=2000 condition. Makes you think about substitution.

SpencerSep 15

I got confused by the wording '50% of a% of these employees'. Does that mean 50% times a%?

PrasenjitSep 28

Yes, it's multiplication: 50% * a% * 320. So 0.5 * (a/100) * 320.

What this question tests

Your ability to compute percentage change, percentage of a whole, and to work backwards from a final value.

Treating successive percentage changes as additive — a 10% rise then a 10% fall is not back to the start.