Understanding Percentage Increase

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 123 views

Introduction

When it comes to understanding percentage increase, a common example is the growth of a caterpillar. In this article, we will delve into the concept of percentage increase and how it applies to the caterpillar's appetite. We will explore the given information and determine which expressions could represent the amount, in grams, the caterpillar eats in one day.

The Caterpillar's Birth Mass

The caterpillar's birth mass is given as $m$ grams. This is the initial weight of the caterpillar before it starts eating. The birth mass is a crucial piece of information as it serves as the basis for calculating the percentage increase.

Percentage Increase

The caterpillar eats $1400\%$ of its birth mass in one day. This means that the caterpillar consumes a certain amount of its initial weight, which is equivalent to $1400\%$ of $m$ grams. To calculate the amount eaten, we need to understand what $1400\%$ means in terms of the caterpillar's birth mass.

Understanding Percentage Increase

Percentage increase is calculated by taking the percentage value and dividing it by $100$ . In this case, $1400\%$ is equivalent to $\frac{1400}{100} = 14$ . This means that the caterpillar eats $14$ times its birth mass in one day.

Expressions Representing the Amount Eaten

We are asked to choose two expressions that could represent the amount, in grams, the caterpillar eats in one day. To determine these expressions, we need to consider the caterpillar's birth mass and the percentage increase.

Expression 1: $14m$

The first expression is $14m$ . This expression represents the caterpillar's birth mass multiplied by $14$ , which is equivalent to the percentage increase. Therefore, $14m$ could represent the amount, in grams, the caterpillar eats in one day.

Expression 2: $1400m$

The second expression is $1400m$ . This expression represents the caterpillar's birth mass multiplied by $1400$ , which is equivalent to the percentage increase. Therefore, $1400m$ could also represent the amount, in grams, the caterpillar eats in one day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the two expressions that could represent the amount, in grams, the caterpillar eats in one day are $14m$ and $1400m$ . These expressions take into account the caterpillar's birth mass and the percentage increase, providing a clear understanding of the caterpillar's appetite.

Final Thoughts

The concept of percentage increase is a fundamental aspect of mathematics, and understanding it is crucial for solving problems like the one presented in this article. By breaking down the problem and analyzing the given information, we can determine the correct expressions that represent the amount eaten by the caterpillar.