Basic Arithmetic : Percents and Decimals

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Basic Arithmetic

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Example Questions

Example Question #13 : Changing View

Change \displaystyle \frac{5}{6} to a percent.

Possible Answers:

\displaystyle 0.8333\%

\displaystyle 8.333\%

\displaystyle 83.33\%

\displaystyle 833.3\%

Correct answer:

\displaystyle 83.33\%

Explanation:

To convert a fraction into a percent, we need to first change the fraction into a decimal.

\displaystyle \frac{5}{6}=0.8333

Now, change the decimal into a percent by multiplying by 100 and adding a percent sign.

\displaystyle 0.8333\times100=83.33

Add a percent sign

\displaystyle 83.33\rightarrow83.33\%

Example Question #41 : Percents And Decimals

What is \displaystyle \frac{12}{13} as a percent?

Possible Answers:

\displaystyle 92.3\%

\displaystyle 9.23\%

\displaystyle 923\%

\displaystyle 0.923\%

Correct answer:

\displaystyle 92.3\%

Explanation:

To change a fraction into a percent, you need to first change the fraction into a decimal.

Dividing 12 by 13 gives the following: 

\displaystyle \frac{12}{13}=12\div13=0.923

Now, to change the decimal to a percent, start by multiplying the decimal by 100.

\displaystyle 0.923\times100=92.3

Then, just add a percent sign.

\displaystyle 92.3\rightarrow92.3\%

Example Question #2 : Changing A Fraction To Percent

What is \displaystyle 1\% of \displaystyle 2?

Possible Answers:

\displaystyle \frac{1}{200}

\displaystyle \frac{1}{50}

\displaystyle \frac{1}{4}

\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}

\displaystyle \frac{1}{5}

Correct answer:

\displaystyle \frac{1}{50}

Explanation:

Convert 1% to a fraction by dividing 100.  One percent is equivalent to:

\displaystyle \frac{1}{100}

Multiply this with two, and the answer is:

\displaystyle \frac{1}{100}\cdot2=\frac{2}{100}=\frac{1}{50}

 

Example Question #6 : Changing A Fraction To Percent

Convert \displaystyle \frac{12}{20} to a percent. 

Possible Answers:

\displaystyle 50\%

\displaystyle 12\%

\displaystyle 60\%

\displaystyle 24\%

\displaystyle 20\%

Correct answer:

\displaystyle 60\%

Explanation:

A percentage can be written as a fraction with any positive whole number in the numerator and 100 in the denominator. To write the fraction as a percent, begin by writing both as fractions:

\displaystyle \frac{12}{20} = \frac{x}{100}

Cross-multiply to find the missing whole number. 

\displaystyle 12 \times 100= 1200

\displaystyle 20 \times x = 20x

Divide the known value by the unknown to solve for x. 

\displaystyle \frac{1200}{20}= x

\displaystyle 60=x

\displaystyle 12 is \displaystyle 60 percent of \displaystyle 20, so the answer is \displaystyle 60\%.

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