1. **State the problem:** We know that 15 students represent 30% of the sixth-grade class. We need to find the total number of students in the class. 2. **Formula used:** To find the whole when given a part and a percent, use the formula: $$\text{Whole} = \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Percent}}$$ where Percent is expressed as a decimal. 3. **Convert percent to decimal:** 30% = 0.30 4. **Apply the formula:** $$\text{Whole} = \frac{15}{0.30}$$ 5. **Calculate:** $$\text{Whole} = 15 \div 0.30$$ 6. **Simplify division:** $$15 \div 0.30 = 15 \times \frac{1}{0.30} = 15 \times \frac{100}{30} = 15 \times \frac{10}{3}$$ 7. **Multiply:** $$15 \times \frac{10}{3} = \frac{15 \times 10}{3} = \frac{150}{3}$$ 8. **Divide:** $$\frac{150}{3} = 50$$ 9. **Answer:** There are **50 students** in the sixth-grade class. **Explanation:** Since 15 students represent 30%, each 10% corresponds to 5 students (because 15 divided by 3 equals 5). Multiplying 5 students by 10 (for 100%) gives the total number of students, 50.