This chapter covers the conversion between percents, decimals, and fractions.

EO 1.10 CONVERT between percents, decimals, and fractions.

EO 1.11 CALCULATE the percent differential.

A special application of proper fractions is the use of percentage. When speaking of a 30% raise in pay, one is actually indicating a fractional part of a whole, 30/100. The word percent means "hundredth;" thus, 30% is based on the whole value being 100%. However, to perform arithmetic operations, the 30% expression is represented as a decimal equivalent (0.30) rather than using the % form.

Calculator Usage, Special Keys

Percent Key

When pressed, the percent key divides the displayed number by 100.

Changing Decimals to Percent

Any number written as a decimal may be written as a percent. To write a decimal as a percent, multiply the decimal by 100, and add the percent symbol.

Example:

Change 0.35 to percent.

0.35 x 100 = 35%

Example:

Change 0.0125 to percent.

0.0125 x 100 = 1.25%

Example:

Change 2.7 to percent.

2.7 x 100 = 270%

Changing Common Fractions and Whole Numbers to Percent

When changing common fractions to percent, convert the fraction to a decimal, then multiply by 100 and add the percent symbol.

Example:

When changing a whole number to a percent, multiply by 100 and add the percent symbol.

Example:

Change 10 to percent

10 x 100 = 1000%

Percents are usually 100% or less. Percents are most often used to describe a fraction, but can be used to show values greater than 1(100%). Examples are 110%, 200%, etc.