Convert Percentages to Decimals

In this activity, we will be learning how to convert from percentages into decimals. 

 

The symbol % stands for percent, which means out of a hundred.

 

Cent is the French for hundred and the % symbol looks a bit like two zeros with a 1 through them... 0|0.

 

We can easily convert between percentages, fractions, and decimals as shown in the example below.

 

45% (45 percent)  is equal to 45/100 (45 hundredths)  =  0.45

78% (78 percent)  is equal to 78/100 (78 hundredths)  =  0.78

5% (5 percent)  is equal to 5/100 (5 hundredths)  =  0.05

40% (40 percent)  is equal to 40/100 (40 hundredths)  =  0.40 = 0.4

 

Let's try an example question. 

 

Example

What is 23% as a fraction and a decimal?

 

Answer

23% means 23 out of 100 or 23 hundredths.

23 hundredths is written 23/100

 

23% means 23 out of 100 or 23 hundredths.

23 hundredths is written 0.23

 

When converting a percentage into a decimal or a fraction, divide by 100.

 

Now it's your chance to have a go at some questions like this!

Good luck!