Fractions, decimals & percentages

#### Tier: #Foundation #Higher

Description

Fractions, decimals, and percentages are three different ways of expressing the same value. Being able to move between them fluently is an essential skill.

Fraction → Decimal: divide the numerator by the denominator. $$\frac{3}{8} = 3 \div 8 = 0.375$$

Decimal → Percentage: multiply by 100. $$0.375 \times 100 = 37.5%$$

Percentage → Fraction: write over 100 and simplify. $$45% = \frac{45}{100} = \frac{9}{20}$$

Common values worth memorising:

Fraction Decimal Percentage
$\frac{1}{2}$ 0.5 50%
$\frac{1}{4}$ 0.25 25%
$\frac{1}{5}$ 0.2 20%
$\frac{1}{3}$ $0.\dot{3}$ $33.\dot{3}%$
$\frac{1}{8}$ 0.125 12.5%

Common error: converting 5% as 0.5 rather than 0.05 — divide by 100, not 10.

Links

Equivalent fractions Basic percentages Simplifying fractions

Questions to practise

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