42 is 1.6% of?

Let the required number be y.
According to the problem statement:

1.6% of y=42
Converting the percentage to a fraction:

100
1.6
​
×y=42
1000
16
​
×y=42
Solving for y:

y=
16
42×1000
​

y=
16
42000
​

y=2625
Therefore, 42 is 1.6% of 2625.