LESSON 6 – CONVERTING FRACTIONS TO

PERCENTS

Introduction

Fractions and percentages may seem like puzzles, but they hold the key to understanding
parts of a whole in a straightforward way. In this lesson, we'll unlock the mystery of
converting fractions to percents, unravel the logic behind it, and explore how this skill is
invaluable in real-life situations. Whether you're tackling a recipe, analyzing data, or
dealing with grades, converting fractions to percents will be your trusted companion. So,
let's embark on this journey to decode the world of fractions and percentages.

CONVERTING FRACTIONS TO PERCENTS - YOUTUBE

I. Understanding Fractions and Percents

1. Fractions: Pieces of the Puzzle

Fractions are like pieces of a puzzle. They allow us to break down a whole into smaller
parts. In a fraction, there are two key components:

- Numerator: This is the number on the top, representing the part we're interested in.

- Denominator: This is the number on the bottom, representing the whole from which
we're taking a part.

For example, in the fraction 3/4, "3" is the numerator, and "4" is the denominator. It tells
us that we're looking at three parts out of a total of four.

2. Introduction to Percents

Percents are another way of expressing fractions, but they make it even simpler by
always representing the whole as 100%. The "%" symbol is used to denote percentages.

For instance, 25% is equivalent to the fraction 1/4. It tells us that we have one part out of
four, but it's presented in a way that relates everything to 100. So, when we convert
fractions to percents, we're essentially expressing our fraction as a portion of 100.

II. Converting Fractions to Percents

1. The Conversion Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting fractions to percents might sound daunting, but it's actually a simple process
that involves two key steps. Let's break it down:

a. Multiply by 100:

- To kick off the conversion, you'll need to take your given fraction and multiply it by
100.

- Why 100? Well, this step ensures that our fraction is expressed in terms of parts out of
100, which is precisely what a percentage represents.

- Think of it as scaling up your fraction to a hundred equal parts.

3
Example: Convert to a percent.
4

3
- First, multiply by 100:
4

3 3 00
x 100 = .
4 4

- This gives us 300 parts out of 4.

b. Simplify (if needed):

- In some cases, your fraction might already be in its simplest form, like the one we just
300
calculated
4

- However, if the fraction can be further simplified, it's a good practice to do so.
Simplifying ensures that you end up with the most understandable and concise percentage
representation.

300
Example: Simplify
4
 - To simplify, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 300 and 4, which is 4.

- Divide both the numerator and denominator by 4:

75
(300 ÷ 4) / (4 ÷ 4) = ..
1

75
- The simplified fraction is now .
1

75
Example (continued): Express as a percent.
1

75
- To complete the conversion, turn into a percent by simply writing it as 75%.
1

2. Practice with Examples

Now that you understand the conversion process, let's put it into practice with a few
examples. Start with these basic fractions and work your way up to more complex ones.
Remember that the steps for conversion remain the same:

1
Example 1: Convert to a percent.
2

1
- Multiply by 100:
2

1 50
x 100 = .
2 1

- Simplify (in this case, it's already simplified):

50
is equivalent to 50%.
1

5
Example 2: Convert to a percent.
8

5
- Multiply by 100:
8
 5 5 00
x 100 = .
8 8

500
- Simplify :
8

- Find the GCD, which is 4.

- Divide both the numerator and denominator by 4:

125
(500 ÷ 4) / (8 ÷ 4) = .
2

125
- Express as a percent:
2

125
is equivalent to 62.5%.
2

By practicing with these examples, you'll gain confidence in converting fractions to

percents, a skill that opens the door to understanding proportions in various real-life
situations.

III. Real-World Applications

Let's delve into the tangible and practical applications of converting fractions to percents,
where you'll see how this seemingly abstract concept becomes incredibly useful in real-
life situations:

1. Cooking and Recipes: Precision in the Kitchen

Consider a scenario where you're using a recipe that's designed to serve eight people, yet
you're only preparing a meal for two. Converting the fraction within the recipe to a
percent becomes your kitchen ally, allowing you to effortlessly adjust ingredient
quantities to meet your specific needs.

Example:

3
Suppose a recipe calls for cups of flour to serve eight. You're cooking for two, so
4
let's convert it to a percent:

3
a. Multiply by 100:
4

3
x 100 = 75%.
4

b. Simplify, if necessary (in this case, no further simplification is needed):

75% remains 75%.

You can now confidently scale down the recipe, using 75% of 3/4 cups of flour, which
is 9/16 cups, to ensure your meal is both delicious and perfectly portioned for two.
2. Data Analysis and Surveys: Understanding Survey Results

In the realm of data analysis and surveys, percentages are invaluable tools for presenting
and interpreting results. They allow us to easily grasp proportions and preferences.

Example:

Consider a survey in which 60 out of 100 respondents express a preference for one
product over another. This preference is effectively communicated as 60%.

- 60% conveys that 60% of the surveyed individuals favor a specific product,
providing a clear picture of the prevailing sentiment.

3. Grading and Education: Assessing Performance

Percentages play a pivotal role in education, especially in grading and assessing student
performance. They serve as a standardized measure of achievement.

Example:

In educational contexts, a score of 90 out of 100 on an exam corresponds to a grade of

90%, which is typically an A.

- This grading system simplifies assessment, making it straightforward to understand

and compare student achievements. A 90% score indicates excellence in understanding
and applying the subject matter.

These real-world applications illustrate how the conversion of fractions to percents

transcends theoretical mathematics and becomes an indispensable skill in our daily lives.
From the precision of recipe adjustments to the clear communication of survey results
and fair assessment of educational performance, the ability to convert fractions to
percents empowers us to navigate various practical scenarios with confidence and ease.

IV. Conclusion
In conclusion, converting fractions to percents may initially seem like solving puzzles,
but it's a valuable skill that simplifies various aspects of our daily lives. By understanding
the relationship between fractions and percents, you're equipped to navigate recipes, data
analysis, and educational assessments with ease. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be a pro
at converting fractions to percents, unlocking the door to a world where parts and wholes
are expressed with confidence and precision.

V. Practice Problems: Sharpen Your Skills

Now, let's put your understanding of converting fractions to percents to the test with a set
of practice problems. These problems range in complexity to help you build confidence
in your skills:

2
Problem 1: Convert to a percent.
5

- Solution:

2
To convert to a percent, follow the two-step process:
5

2
a. Multiply by 100:
5

2
x 100 = 40%.
5

2
b. No further simplification is needed; is equal to 40%.
5

3
Problem 2: Convert to a percent.
10

- Solution:

3
Let's convert to a percent using the same method:
10
 3
a. Multiply by 100:
10

3
x 100 = 30%.
10

3
b. There's no need for further simplification; is equivalent to 30%.
10

These practice problems serve as valuable exercises to reinforce your ability to convert
fractions to percents. With practice, you'll become more adept at this skill, which is
tremendously useful in various aspects of life.