Converting Percents, Decimals, and Fractions
Practice fast, accurate conversions among all three number forms to improve problem solving flexibility.
Percent, decimal, and fraction are three views of the same value. Mastering conversions prevents setup errors in multi-step problems.
Core Conversion Rules
- Percent to decimal: divide by 100.
- Decimal to percent: multiply by 100.
- Decimal to fraction: use place value and simplify.
- Fraction to percent: convert to decimal or scale denominator to 100.
Convert \(\frac{7}{20}\) to decimal and percent.
\[ \frac{7}{20} = 0.35 = 35\% \]
Convert \(12.5\%\) to decimal and fraction. Decimal is \(0.125\), then fraction is \(\frac{125}{1000}\).
\[ 12.5\% = 0.125 = \frac{1}{8} \]
Choosing a Form Strategically
Fractions are best for exact symbolic work, decimals for calculator input, and percents for communication and comparison.
Do not move decimal the wrong way. Converting decimal to percent moves the decimal two places right, not left.
Business analysts often present percentages in reports, but calculate behind the scenes in decimal form for formula consistency.
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