When the battle began, there were 30 percent more brigantines than men-of-war. if there were 260 brigantines, how many soldiers took part in the battle?

30% of 260 is 78, that mean the difference between brigantines and men of war was 78, next use 260-78=182, 182 is the number of men of war. SO finally we will combine those answer together, 260+182=442 soldiers took part in the battle, hope this help.