Understanding Percent
Understanding Percent
Standard
6.N.5 - Identify and determine common equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percents
Cluster
Vocabulary
Percent-a ratio that compares a number to 100. It means "out of 100" or "per 100"
Objective
To write percents as decimals and fractions.
Lesson
Writing a Percent as a Fraction
A percent is a fraction in which the number preceding the % sign is the numerator and 100 is the denominator. Therefore, the first step in writing a percent as a fraction in lowest terms is writing it as a fraction with denominator 100. For example, we write 82% as 82/100 and 50% as 50/100.
The next step is to reduce the fraction, 82/100 reduces to 41/50 and 50/100 reduces to 1/2. Thus, 82% = 41/50 and 50% = 1/2.
If the number to the left of the % sign is not a whole number, first change the percent to a decimal, and then change the decimal to a fraction. For example, 67.4% = 0.674 = 674/1000 = 337/500.
Writing percent as a decimal
To convert a percent into a decimal, move the decimal point 2 places to the left and drop the percent sign. 36% becomes 0.36, and 145% becomes 1.45. If the number in front of the percent has fewer than two places in front of the decimal, add zeros to the left of the number, and then move the decimal place.
Practice
If you need more practice, use the Online Tutorial used with our Text Book
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