what is the exact calculation for such a question:  860 is 60% of what number?

Dear apm,

If you are asked a question of the form

  X is Y% of what number?

then you can find the mystery number by evaluating the following expression.

  X * 100 / Y

In other words, multiply X by 100, then divide by Y.

In the example you've given, we have

  X = 860

and

  Y = 60.

We can calculate the mystery number by plugging in the values of X and Y, thus.

  X * 100 / Y  =  860 * 100 / 60
               =  86000 / 60
               =  1433.3333...

Regards,

leapinglizard

So clear, so fast, and so eloquent!  Thanks!