What is Fraction to Percent and Why Should You Care?
Converting fractions to percentages transforms them into a format that's universally understood. Percentages are based on 100, making them intuitive for comparisons and everyday use. Whether you're figuring out what share of pizza you ate, calculating discounts, or understanding test scores, percentages make the math clearer.
How to Convert a Fraction to Percent
The formula is simple:
[\text{Percentage} = \frac{\text{Numerator}}{\text{Denominator}} \times 100]
Where:
- Numerator is the top part of the fraction
- Denominator is the bottom part of the fraction
Divide the numerator by the denominator to get a decimal, then multiply by 100 to convert to a percentage.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Convert 3/5 to a Percentage
Step 1: Divide the numerator by the denominator:
[\frac{3}{5} = 0.6]
Step 2: Multiply by 100:
[0.6 \times 100 = 60%]
Example 2: Convert 7/8 to a Percentage
Step 1: Divide:
[\frac{7}{8} = 0.875]
Step 2: Multiply by 100:
[0.875 \times 100 = 87.5%]
Quick Reference Table
| Fraction | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 33.33% |
| 1/4 | 25% |
| 1/5 | 20% |
| 2/3 | 66.67% |
| 3/4 | 75% |
| 3/5 | 60% |
| 4/5 | 80% |
| 7/8 | 87.5% |
| 9/10 | 90% |
Converting fractions to percentages is a valuable skill for everyday calculations, from understanding sales discounts to interpreting statistics and test scores.