30
Representing Percentages as Fractions
and Decimals
It is easy to convert between percentages, fractions, and decimals. A percentage is simply the
numerator of a fraction with a denominator of 100. The word
percent
means
for every one hundred,
or
per one cent. For example, 15% is equal to the fraction
15
100
, which can be simplifi ed to
3
20
.
To change a percentage to a decimal, move the decimal point two places to the left. For example,
25.7% is equal to the decimal 0.257. To change a decimal to a percentage, move the decimal point two
places to the right. For example, the decimal 0.072 is equal to 7.2%.
To change a fraction to a percentage, fi rst convert it to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the
denominator. Then, convert the decimal to a percentage by moving the decimal point two places to the
right.
Skills Workshop 14
See It
Convert
42
37
to a percentage.
Step 1: Convert the fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the
denominator (42 ÷ 37 ≈ 1.135).
Step 2: Convert the decimal to a percentage by moving the decimal point two
places to the right (1.135 → 113.5%).
Check It
1. Convert
5
7
to a percentage.
2. Convert 2.6% to a decimal.
3. Convert 0.0385 to a percentage.
4. Convert 3% to a fraction.
5. Convert
9
32
to a percentage.
6. Convert 98.72% to a decimal.
7. Convert 1.456 to a percentage.
8. Convert 45% to a fraction.
9. Convert
10
15
to a percentage.
10. Convert 1.009 to a percentage.