When 1/10 percent of 5,000 is subtracted from 1/10 of 5,000, the difference is:

a) 0
b) 50
c) 450
d) 495
e) 500

Solution:

5,000(.1) - 5,000(0.001) = 500-5 = 495 (D)

But, isn't 1/10 of 5,000 equal to 500?

Thank you for your help!

1/10 percent of 5000 is .1% of 5000 which is 5 and 1/10 of 5000 is 500.......therefore 500-5=495. I think you are missed the percent part of the question. That is the mistake you are making.

Note that the solution shows the math in the REVERSE order in which it is stated in the sentence. The sentence says the first part "is subtracted from" the second part, so that gets written mathematically as "second part minus first part."