You might need to change a percent to decimal for different reasons. Maybe you’re taking a math test and forgot how to do it or need to calculate a tip at a restaurant. No matter the reason, we’ll show you how to change percent to decimal in this blog post. We’ll also touch on what decimals and percentages are, as well as give some examples. Let’s get started!
What is a Decimal?
A decimal is any number in base ten that has a fractional component. In other words, it’s any number that has a number to the right of the decimal point. For example, 3.142 is a decimal because there is a number (142) to the right of the decimal point (.). Decimals can be positive or negative, have zeros after the decimal point, or even have repeating decimals such as 1/3, which equals 0.333… The number goes on forever, but we write three numbers after the decimal point because that’s all we need for most applications.
What is a Percent?
A percent is just another way of representing fractions or parts of a whole. The word “percent” comes from the Latin word “per centrum,” which means “by the hundred.” In other words, if we have 100% of something, then we have all of it. Likewise, if we have 50%, then half of it, and so forth, and so on. Similarly, if we have .5%, then we have half of one percent or 1/200th, and so on. Like decimals, percentages can be positive or negative, but they always end with the % symbol.
Changing Percents to Decimals
Now that we know what decimals and percents are let’s learn how to quickly change percents into decimals using two different methods that require no calculators or memorization! Instead, you only need a pencil and paper (or your computer if you prefer typing).
Method #1: Using Place Value
Remember learning about place value back in elementary school? It turns out that place value is significant, especially when trying to convert fractions or percents into decimals speedily! For example, to change a percent into a decimal using a place value, you must move the decimal point two places to the left and omit the percent sign (%).
For example:
100% = 10% = 1% = .01% = .001% and so forth; therefore
.1% = .001 (move decimal point 2 places left)
25% = .25 (decimal point 1 place left)
7% = .07 (decimal point, no places left – already in the correct spot!)
Method #2: Divide by 100
This method is a bit more straightforward. For example, to change a percent into a decimal using division, you must divide the number by 100 and then omit the percent sign (%).
Conclusion: Decimals and percents are different ways of representing parts of whole numbers, but they aren’t too tricky once you get used to them! Whether you need help with math homework or calculating tips at restaurants, remember these simple steps for changing percentages into decimals using place value – it just requires moving the decimal point other two spaces to the left, omitting the % sign. Good luck!