Carol runs 2.6 miles each weekday morning. If the marathon distance is 26 miles, what percent of the distance does she run in one typical work week?

• A. 10%
• B. 50%
• C. 40%
• D. 20%

Answer: (B)

You’re comparing how much of the marathon Carol covers in a typical work week to the full marathon distance. First find her weekly distance: she runs 2.6 miles each weekday for five weekdays, so 2.6 × 5 = 13 miles in a week. The marathon is 26 miles, so the weekly distance is half of the marathon. Half of 26 miles is 13 miles, which corresponds to 50 percent. Check: 50% of 26 is 13, matching the weekly distance. So the week’s distance is 50% of the marathon.