Converting to Percentages

Converting Fractions to Percentages

Learn four simple ways to convert fractions into percentages.

Scaling Method

Basics:

A fraction shows a part of a whole. The numerator is the part we are looking at, and the denominator is the total parts. Percentages represent parts out of 100.

Conversion Process:

To convert a fraction to a percentage, make the denominator 100. Here's how:

1. Find the factor to scale the denominator to 100.
2. Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by this factor.
3. The new fraction will have a denominator of 100, making the numerator the percentage.

Example: Convert 3/8 to a percentage

• Scaling factor = $\frac{100}{8}\mathrm{=\; 12.5}$;
• New fraction: $\frac{\mathrm{3\; \times \; 12.5}}{\mathrm{8\; \times \; 12.5}}\mathrm{=}\frac{37.5}{100}$;
• Percentage: 37.5%.

Decimal Conversion

Basics:

You can convert any fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator. Once it's a decimal, turning it into a percentage is simple.

Conversion Process:

1. Divide the numerator by the denominator to get a decimal;
2. Multiply the decimal by 100 to get the percentage.

Example: Convert 3/8 to a percentage

• Decimal form: 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375;
• Percentage: 0.375 × 100 = 37.5%.

Converting Mixed Fractions to Percentages

Let's see how to convert mixed fractions to percentages.

Understanding Mixed Fractions

A mixed fraction has both a whole number and a fraction. For example, in 2 3/4, '2' is the whole number and '3/4' is the fraction.

Converting a Mixed Fraction to an Improper Fraction

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Multiply the whole number by the fraction's denominator.
2. Add the numerator to this product.
3. Use this sum as the new numerator, keeping the same denominator.

Example: Converting the Improper Fraction to a Decimal

Divide the numerator by the denominator.

Example: Converting the Decimal to a Percentage

1. Multiply the decimal by 100;
2. Add the % symbol to your result.

Example:

Converting Decimals to Percentages

Knowing how to convert decimals to percentages is useful in both school and everyday life.

Decimals: A decimal shows part of a whole number. It is based on powers of ten and is indicated by a decimal point.

Any decimal can be shown as a fraction of 100, which is a percentage.

Conversion Process

1. Take the given decimal number;
2. Multiply it by 100;
3. Add the % symbol to your result.

This shifts the decimal point two places to the right, making the decimal a whole number, which is then shown as a fraction of 100.

Example: Interpreting the Result

When converting 0.45 to 45%, it means that 0.45 is 45% of the whole, or 45 parts out of 100. This makes it easier to visualize and compare to other values.

Converting Whole Numbers to Percentages

This is the simplest conversion process.

Whole Numbers: These are positive integers, including zero, without fractions or decimals.

Basic Conversion Method

Converting whole numbers to percentages is straightforward. It’s about comparing the number to 100.

Conversion Process:

1. Take the whole number;
2. Multiply it by 100;
3. Add the % symbol to the result.

Example: Understanding the Result

By converting 3 to 300%, you're saying that 3 is 300% of 1. This means 1 is 100%, so 3 times that amount is 300%.