What's a Fraction and What's a Percentage?
Before we convert, let's make sure we understand what we're working with. A fraction is a part of a whole number, like 1/4 (one quarter). A percentage is another way of showing the same thing, but out of 100. The word percent literally means "out of 100."
Think of it like slicing a pizza. If you eat 1/4 of a pizza, you've eaten 25% of it—because a whole pizza is 100%.
The Simple Formula
Converting a fraction to a percentage is easier than you might think. Here's the magic formula: Divide the top number (numerator) by the bottom number (denominator), then multiply by 100.
So if you have the fraction 3/4, you would:
Step 1: Divide 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
Step 2: Multiply by 100: 0.75 × 100 = 75%
Think of it like converting coins into notes. First you figure out the decimal value, then you multiply to see how many pounds out of 100 you have.
Why Does This Work?
Percentages are always out of 100. When you divide the numerator by the denominator, you get a decimal—a number between 0 and 1 that shows what portion of the whole you have. Multiplying by 100 converts that decimal into a percentage.
Let's Try More Examples
Example 1: What's 1/2 as a percentage?
1 ÷ 2 = 0.5, then 0.5 × 100 = 50%
Example 2: What's 2/5 as a percentage?
2 ÷ 5 = 0.4, then 0.4 × 100 = 40%
Example 3: What's 7/10 as a percentage?
7 ÷ 10 = 0.7, then 0.7 × 100 = 70%
Quick Trick!
Some fractions are easier to remember. 1/2 = 50%, 1/4 = 25%, 3/4 = 75%, and 1/10 = 10%. Learning these common ones can save you time in exams!