Question

a) what percent of the total weight represents the amount of dirt?
b) what percent of the total weight represents the combined weight of required saliva and paper shavings?

Explanation:

Part (a)

Step 1: Find Total Weight

Assume the total weight (from the denominator in the fraction, likely 24? Wait, maybe the total weight is 24? Wait, the dirt is 3. Wait, maybe the total weight is 24? Wait, let's check the fraction. If the total weight is 24 (since 3/24 = 0.125 = 12.5%). Wait, let's do it properly. Let total weight be \( T \). From the fraction, maybe \( T = 24 \) (since 3/24 = 0.125). So to find the percentage of dirt: \( \text{Percentage} = \frac{\text{Weight of Dirt}}{\text{Total Weight}} \times 100 \). Let's assume total weight is 24 (since 3/24 = 0.125). So \( \frac{3}{24} \times 100 = 12.5\% \).

Step 2: Calculate Percentage

\( \frac{3}{24} \times 100 = \frac{300}{24} = 12.5 \)

Step 1: Find Combined Weight

Assume Saliva and Paper Shavings combined weight is 21 (from the fraction \( \frac{21}{24} \)? Wait, total weight maybe 24? Wait, the fraction is \( \frac{21}{24} \)? Wait, let's see. If total weight is 24, and combined weight is 21, then percentage is \( \frac{21}{24} \times 100 \). Wait, 21 divided by 24 is 0.875, times 100 is 87.5? Wait, no, maybe the total weight is 24 (from part a, 3 + 21 = 24). So combined weight is 21, total is 24.

Step 2: Calculate Percentage

\( \frac{21}{24} \times 100 = \frac{2100}{24} = 87.5 \)

Answer:

12.5%

Part (b)