17 is being compared to 85.
\So,17 is the part and 85 is the whole.
\Let n represent the percent.
\The percent proportion is
.
Apply cross product property of equality:
then
.

(Multiply:
)
Apply division property of equality: Divide each side by 85.
\
(Cancel common terms)
(Divide:
)
17 is 20
of 85.