The word percent is a fraction whose denominator is 100. For example 26% is equivalent to the fraction 26/100.
To change a decimal number to a percent, we simply multiply by 100%:
0.32 × 100% = 32%
If a percentage is given, move the decimal two places to the left to express its equivalent decimal form. The number 0.321 is equivalent to 32.1%.
You can convert a fraction to a decimal by dividing the fraction then moving the decimal point two spaces over and adding a percent sign:
34/100 = .34 = 34%
Correspondingly, when you multiply something by a percentage, move the decimal point two spaces to the left.
500 × 20% = 500 × 20 = 10,000, then move the decimal two to left to 100%
(of course you could have quickly realized that 20% = 1/5 and solved in your head to get 100.)
10% multiplication trick:
To get 10% of anything, simply slide the decimal point over by 1.
3456 × 10% = 345.6
Example
Convert 4% into a decimal and a fraction in lowest terms.
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