LOL, SM. Not laughing at you but definitely hearing brand new player frustration. It's not like you're thinking,for starters. That 30/40% number is how deep your ball is buried. It doesn't mean apply that % to the shot.
An easy way to think when you're in the rough is like this. If it's 30/40 add 1 club to whatever the caddie suggests. If it's 40/50 add 2 clubs. If it's 50/60 that means you're really in trouble and should re aim back into the fairway and use a punch shot to get back in play.
In the FAQs there are 2 really good, easy to understand help topics. Both were written by players that started out just like you (only with a whole lot less stuff here) and are worth reading. Putting Tips and Chip and Pitch Tips.
GL and hang in there. :-)