Converting decimals to fractions and percentages

Converting decimals to fractions

To convert a to a , use place value. The first number after the decimal place is worth tenths, the next is worth hundredths, the next thousandths and so on.

Example

What is 0.7 as a fraction?

HundredsTensUnits.TenthsHundredthsThousandths
0.7

The 7 represents tenths, so this can be written as $$\frac{7}{10}$$. This fraction cannot be or cancelled down so it is the final answer.

Question

What is 0.46 as a fraction?

HundredsTensUnits.TenthsHundredthsThousandths
0.46

0.46 is worth 46 hundredths which is written as $$\frac{46}{100}$$. 2 is a common factor of 46 and 100, so $$\frac{46}{100}$$ simplifies to $$\frac{23}{50}$$.

0.46 is $$\frac{23}{50}$$ as a fraction.

Converting decimals to percentages

Once a number is written as a decimal, it is easy to convert it to a . Remember that 'per cent' means 'per hundred', so converting from a decimal to a percentage can be done by multiplying by 100 (move the digits two places to the right).

0.375 as a percentage is $$0.375 \times 100 \% = 37.5 \%$$