Understanding Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Ever wonder why we need three different ways to write numbers? Fractions, decimals, and percents are just different ways to express the same values! Let's break down how to convert between them.

To change a fraction to decimal, just divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, $\frac{3}{10} = 0.3$ because 3 ÷ 10 = 0.3. For $\frac{31}{100}$, you get 0.31.

Converting a decimal to fraction is easy too! The digits after the decimal become the numerator, and the denominator depends on place value. For 0.3, it's $\frac{3}{10}$ (one decimal place = 10). For 0.12, it's $\frac{12}{100}$, which simplifies to $\frac{3}{25}$.

Math Hack: When simplifying fractions like $\frac{12}{100}$, divide both top and bottom by their greatest common factor. Here, divide by 4 to get $\frac{3}{25}$.

For decimal to percent, move the decimal point two places to the right and add a % sign. So 0.25 = 25% and 0.7 = 70%. Going from percent to decimal is the reverse - move the decimal two places left $25$.

Converting a percent to fraction means writing the percent over 100 and simplifying. For fraction to percent, multiply by 100. Example: $\frac{3}{4} \times 100 = 75$, so $\frac{3}{4} = 75\%$.

You can master these conversions with a little practice. Soon you'll be switching between these number forms without even thinking about it!