Question

If 40 of a number is 56 what is the original number

Answer 1

I Don't think this question is precise. Anyways, 'of' usually means multiplication in terms of MATHS. Esp. according to BODMAS Rule.
$40x = 56 \\ x = 56 \div 40 \\ = > 28 \div 20 = 14 \div 10 = 1.4$
Therefore, if question is correct, 1.4 is the answer.