28% of what number is 3 1/2

0.28x = 3.5

x = 3.5 / 0.28

x = 12.5

To find the number, we can set up an equation. Let's call the number "x."

We are told that 28% of the number x is equal to 3 1/2.

To calculate 28% of a number, we can multiply the number by 0.28 (as 28% is equivalent to 0.28).

So, our equation becomes:

0.28x = 3 1/2

Now, let's convert the mixed number 3 1/2 to an improper fraction.

3 1/2 can be written as (2 * 3 + 1) / 2 = 7/2.

Substituting 3 1/2 as 7/2 in the equation, we have:

0.28x = 7/2

To isolate x, we need to divide both sides of the equation by 0.28:

x = (7/2) / 0.28

Dividing 7/2 by 0.28, we get:

x ≈ 12.5

Therefore, 28% of approximately 12.5 is equal to 3 1/2.