Find the Whole From a Percent

Do your students know how to find the whole from a percent? Are they able to relate problems such as these to visual models, such as strip diagrams and tape diagrams? If you are looking for an activity for your students to complete in a math center, with a partner, or independently, look no further! Teach Starter has created a match-up activity where students must analyze a scenario, calculate the correct answer, and match it with the corresponding visual model.

To play, print and cut apart the match-up cards. Shuffle the cards and lay them out in a workspace. Students must create 18 3-piece matches and record their answers on their recording sheet.

Through this activity, students will show they can determine the whole number when given a percentage and a part of the whole.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who may need additional support, allow access to a multiplication chart. Have a laminated proportion template that students can fill in the blanks to guide them along the process of solving.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage students to show two different ways to calculate the answer.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color PDF, black and white PDF, or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Find the Whole From a Percent – Worksheet

Practice how to find the whole from a percent with this standard-practice worksheet.

teaching resource

Using Tape Diagrams to Find the Whole From a Percent – Worksheet

Calculate the whole from a percent by using tape diagrams with this worksheet.

teaching resource

Finding the Whole From a Percent – I Have, Who Has? Card Game

Practice how to find the whole from a percent with an I Have, Who Has? card game.