· Definition of Percentages
Mathematically, percentages are either numbers or ratios that are expressed as fractions of 100. They are usually denoted as "%" or simply "percent." They may be further represented as simple fractions or as decimal fractions. An example of a percentage is 65% or 65 percent. The term percentage was formed from two words, “per” and “cent.” Cent is a word with Latin and French origin that means "hundred," and "percent" means "per hundred." For example, 90 percent (or 90%) means 90 out of 100 while 50 percent (or 50%) means 50 out of 100 or half of a whole.
1. Determine the initial format of the number to be converted to a percentage
The number to be converted to a percentage can either be in the decimal or fraction format. A good example of a decimal number is 0.57, which may be the calculated ratio of the values you are comparing, while an example of a fraction is 3/20. The initial format will determine the next mathematical process to be carried out on the number.
2. Carry out a mathematical process on the number to be converted to a percentage
If the number to be converted to a percentage is a decimal number like 0.57, you may not need to do anything to it before you go to the next step. However, if it is a fraction like 3/20, you should first divide the numerator (3 in this case) by the denominator (20 in this case) to get a decimal number.
3. Multiply the result of the mathematical process by 100
If you are required to convert a decimal number like 0.57 to a percentage, you are to simply multiply it by 100. That is, 0.57 x 100 = 57. Therefore, 0.57 as a percentage = 57% or 57 percent. Another example of converting a decimal to a percentage is 0.03 x 100 = 3% or 3 percent.
However, if you are required to convert 3/20 to a percentage, you should divide 3 by 20 = 0.15. Then multiply 0.15 by 100 = 15% or 15 percent.
Another example is if you are to convert 5/10 to a percentage, you should divide 5 by 10 = 0.5. Then, multiply 0.5 by 100. Therefore, 0.5 x 100 = 50% or 50 percent.