What is 10% of 470?

1. TRANSLATE the problem information

• Given information:
  • Find 10% of 470
• What this tells us: We need to multiply 470 by the decimal equivalent of 10%

2. TRANSLATE percentage to decimal

• Convert 10% to decimal form:
  • \(10\% = \frac{10}{100} = 0.10\)

3. SIMPLIFY by performing the multiplication

• Calculate: \(0.10 \times 470 = 47\)

Answer: B. 47

Why Students Usually Falter on This Problem

Most Common Error Path:

Weak TRANSLATE skill: Students misread 470 as 370

When students scan the problem quickly, they might misread the number 470 as 370. This leads them to calculate \(10\% \text{ of } 370 = 37\) instead of \(10\% \text{ of } 470 = 47\).

This may lead them to select Choice A (37)

Second Most Common Error:

Conceptual confusion about percentage operations: Students interpret "10% of" as "subtract 10"

Some students see "10%" and think it means "minus 10" rather than "multiply by 0.10." This leads them to calculate \(470 - 10 = 460\).

This may lead them to select Choice D (460)

Third Common Error:

Poor SIMPLIFY execution: Students calculate 90% instead of 10%

Students might correctly set up the problem but make an error in the decimal conversion or calculation, ending up with 90% of 470 = \(0.90 \times 470 = 423\).

This may lead them to select Choice C (423)

The Bottom Line:

This problem tests the fundamental skill of translating percentage language into mathematical operations. Success requires recognizing that "percent of" means multiplication and accurately converting the percentage to decimal form.