06-Fractions_Decimals_Percents
We are familiar with fractions. We are familiar with decimals. We are familiar with percents. This lesson is where we realize that fractions, decimals, and percents, are all the same thing: parts of a whole; and it is possible to convert between the three of them.
Converting from a Fraction to a Decimal
Remember, all along we have talked about how a division problem can be represented as a fraction. This is where that comes in handy. To convert a fraction to a decimal, you divide the numerator by the denominator.
Converting from a Decimal to Percent
Converting a decimal to a percent is as easy as times the decimal by 100 or moving the decimal point two places to the right..
0.75 x 100 = 75
So, 0.75 = 75%
Converting from a Fraction to a Percent
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to do this, you have to first convert the fraction to a decimal, and then to a percent.
Converting From a Percent to a Decimal
Converting from a percent to a decimal is just the opposite from converting from a decimal to a percent. If you have 80% and you want to make it a decimal, you divide it by 100, or move the decimal point two places to the left.
80 ÷ 100 = 0.80
So, 80% = 0.8
Converting From a Decimal to a Fraction
To be able to convert from a decimal to a fraction, you have to be familiar with your decimal place value. Here is a chart for reminder:
With our previous example 0.8, you would say that eight-tenths. Say that out loud. Now think about that as a fraction. Eight-tenths:
Remember, you may also have to simplify. 8/10 would simplify down to 4/5.
Here’s a few more examples with a bit longer decimals.
Converting From a Percent to a Fraction
There are a couple of different ways to convert from a percent to a fraction. The first would be to convert from a percent to a decimal, and then the decimal to a fraction. You can simplify that process though, by breaking apart the word percent.
per – for each
cent – hundred
So percent means for each hundred. A fraction bar can also be used to represent the word per, so 45% could be written out 45 / 100. A fraction that just needs simplifying.