Percents, decimals, and fractions are 3 different ways to describe the same amount. For example, one half can be described as 50% (a percent), 1/2 (a fraction), or 0.5 (a decimal). This lesson will show you how to convert back and forth between the different forms. Changing Percents to DecimalsThe word percent means "per 100." 20% means 20 out of 100, or 20/100. 67% means 67 out of 100, or 67/100. So to change a percent to a decimal, you simply divide the percentage number by 100. When you divide by 100, the decimal just moves over 2 places to the left.
Changing Percents to FractionsRemember, the word percent means "per 100." This means you can change a percent to a fraction by dividing by 100. Don't stop here though, make sure to simplify the fraction if possible. Look to see if the numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number.
If the percent is a decimal, it takes an extra step to simplify the fraction. To get rid of the decimal, you will need to multiply the numerator and denominator by a power of 10 to move the decimal over first. Once you do this, you can simplify the fraction like normal. |
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