# To Stoidela **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 26, 1999, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-stoidela/7153 "1999-08-26T10:37:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![EnigmaOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EnigmaOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnigmaOne)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 1999, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-stoidela/7153/1 "1999-08-26T10:37:00Z")
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. > [@](#): > > ## Stoidela Member posted 08-25-1999 10:53 PM > > I need the formula to arrive at the following. > N is 85% of \_\_\_\_\_ (number)? > > Sample: > > I receive $145 from you. You tell me that this is my percentage, which we both know is 85% of the total number. You receive 15% of the total number. > > What is the total number? What is your 15%? And what is the formula I use to arrive at these numbers? (I need it frequently, and I never remember it. I’m an idiot at math.) > > I would be forever in your debt… 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._ ---
**Author:** ![Pooch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dbc845/32.png) [@Pooch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pooch)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 1999, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-stoidela/7153/2 "1999-08-26T12:04:00Z")
Hoping to have Stoidela in my debt I had written: > [@](#): > > Your percentage of $145 divided by the rate of 85% equals the base of $170 > and some change. Or 145/.85=170.58 > > Actually, I didn’t know and looked it up as I can’t do math either. I was > inspired by the thought of having you in my debt. Somebody ought to verify > this. > This should get us started on the road to giving proper tips: > [http://training.questgate.net/courses/mbp/c0101.htm](http://training.questgate.net/courses/mbp/c0101.htm) I snoozed, I losed. Is the GQ thread fixed yet? ---
**Author:** ![ChuckSki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@ChuckSki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChuckSki)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 1999, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-stoidela/7153/3 "1999-08-26T12:29:00Z")
I’ve been trying to send this since last midnight. Think of it this way: Y x .85 = N therefore N / .85 = Y In your example, if you get 85%, which is $145, and I get 15%, Take 145 and divide by .85 and you get $170.59 I get $25.59. Take 25.59 and divide by .15 and you get $170.59 Is this what you want? Hope it helps! ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 1999, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-stoidela/7153/4 "1999-08-26T16:20:00Z")
Gosh, I feel like a damsel in distress that has been well and truly rescued! Thank you all for rushing to my aid…much appreciated! Stoid