The Nature of Mathematics, 12th Edition
Home
about dr. smith
glossary
transparencies
other books

Chapter1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
group projects
individual projects
links by topic
Section 6.8: Percents

6.8 Outline

A.  Percent
B. Fractions/decimals/percents
      1. procedure for changing a percent to a decimal
      2. fraction/decimal/percent conversion chart
C. Estimation
      1. unit fraction-conversion method
      2. percentage
      3. unit fraction comparison
D.  The percent problem
      1. the amount; percentage
      2. percent; rate
      3. whole quantity; base
      4. procedure
      5. warning:  DO NOT ADD PERCENTS

6.8 Essential Ideas 

PERCENT

Percent is the ratio of a given number to 100. This means that a percent is the numerator of a fraction whose denominator is 100.

To change from fractional form to decimal form:

Divide the numerator (top) by the denominator (bottom). Write as a terminating or as a repeating decimal (bar notation).

To change from fractional form to percent form:

First change the fraction to a decimal, and then move the decimal point two places to the right and affix a percent symbol.

To change from a terminating decimal form to fractional form:

Write the decimal without the decimal point, and multiply by the decimal name of the last digit (rightmost digit).

To change from a terminating decimal form to percent form:

Shift the decimal point two places to the right and affix a percent symbol.

To change from percent form to fractional form:

Write as a ratio to 100 and reduce the fraction. If the percent involves a decimal, first write the decimal in fractional form, and then multiply by 1/100. If the percent involves a fraction, delete the percent symbol and multiply by 1/100.

To change from percent form to decimal form:

Shift the decimal point two places to the left and delete the percent symbol. If the percent involves a fraction, first write the fraction as a decimal and then shift the decimal point.

The Percent Problem

A (this is the given amount) is P% (this is written as P/100) of W (this is the "whole quantity" and is follows the word "of").

Here is the procedure to follow:
First, identify the percent; write it as a fraction P/100.
Next, identify the whole quantity; it is preceded by the word of.
Finally, the remaining quantity is the partial amount; it is the numerator of the second fraction in the proportion: P/100 = A/W.