Stoidela has a math problem and I can’t post in GQ right now–See: “Can’t post in GQ!” by TheIncredibleHolg. I figure MPSIMS is as good a place as any to dump my clipboard into, and I figure Eutychus55 and Nickerz can get this thing back into the “Innumerate needs formula! (Simple - help!)” thread anyway. Sorry to make more work for you two.
Ok…forever in my debt huh?
Let x = The percentage dollar amount you get.
The percentage is 85%
Let y = The gross amount from which the percentage amount is paid to you.
The following is then true:
x = 85% of y
Stated another way:
x = 0.85 * y
Same thing, and 0.85 is easier to work with anyway.
If you want to know what y is, do this:
y = x / 0.85
Using your example:
x = $145.00
y is unknown
x is 85% of y
Therefore:
x = 0.85 * y
Rearranging the formula:
y = x / 0.85
y = $145.00 / 0.85
y = $170.5882353 or $170.59
Now, to check our finger work, we can take 15% of $170.59 and add it to $145.00 (cuz 15% + 85% = 100%):
15% of $170.59 = $170.59 * 0.15 = $25.5885…call it $25.59
$145.00 is 85% of something, and we hope that something is $170.59
$145.00 + $25.59 = $170.59…works for me.
Will that be cash, credit card or check?
Lessee, I get 15% of forever, and your cut is 85%…Kewel!
–Kalél
(The Original EnigmaOne) Common ¢ for all ages.
