How to change decimals to percentages explained

📚 Understanding Decimals and Percentages

Converting decimals to percentages is a fundamental mathematical skill with applications in everyday life, from calculating discounts to understanding statistics. A percentage represents a part of a whole, where the whole is considered 100. A decimal is another way to represent fractions, where the whole is 1. Understanding the relationship between these two representations is key.

📜 A Brief History

The concept of percentages has roots stretching back to ancient Rome, where calculations were often done in fractions of one hundred. The word "percent" comes from the Latin "per centum," meaning "out of one hundred." Decimal notation, though developed later, provided a standardized way to express these fractions, simplifying calculations and making percentages even more accessible.

➗ The Key Principle: Multiplication by 100

The core principle behind converting a decimal to a percentage is multiplying the decimal by 100. This shifts the decimal point two places to the right, effectively expressing the decimal as a fraction out of 100. The formula is:

Percentage = Decimal × 100

🧮 Step-by-Step Conversion

• 🔍 Identify the Decimal: Start with the decimal you want to convert.
• ✖️ Multiply by 100: Multiply the decimal by 100.
• ➕ Add the % Symbol: Attach the percentage symbol (%) to the result.

💡 Real-World Examples

Let's walk through some examples to illustrate the conversion process:

Example 1: Convert 0.75 to a percentage.

0.75 × 100 = 75%

Example 2: Convert 0.05 to a percentage.

0.05 × 100 = 5%

Example 3: Convert 1.25 to a percentage.

1.25 × 100 = 125%

📊 Table of Decimal to Percentage Conversions

📝 Practice Quiz

Convert the following decimals to percentages:

• 🔢 0.65
• ➗ 0.02
• 📈 1.5
• ➿ 0.33
• ➗ 0.005

Answers:

• ✅ 65%
• ✅ 2%
• ✅ 150%
• ✅ 33%
• ✅ 0.5%

⭐ Conclusion

Converting decimals to percentages is a straightforward process. By understanding the underlying principle of multiplying by 100, you can easily convert any decimal to its equivalent percentage. This skill is essential for various applications, making it a valuable tool in mathematics and everyday life. Remember to practice regularly to solidify your understanding.