What was the percent increase?

Question

The website forsalebyowner.com reported taht total real estate commission in 2007 were $55 billion, an increase of $19 million over the year 2000.

Answer 1

2000:  $36 billion

2007:  $55 billion

$55 billion is what percent of $36 billion?

"is" means =

"what" means x

"percent" means /100

"of" means *

55 = x/100 * 36

55 = x * 0.36

x = 55 / 0.36

x = about 152.78

It's an increase, so 152.78% is an increase of 52.78% over 100%.

Answer:  about 52.78%