Converting percentages into decimals

Converting percentages into decimals

In order to convert a percentage into decimal, first convert it into a fraction with 100 as the denominator. Then, divide the numerator by its denominator to obtain the required decimal.

Example

Convert 32% into decimal.

Solution

Convert 32% into fraction. That is, $32\% = \frac{32}{100}$.

Divide 32 by 100 to obtain the required decimal.

Long division:

$100 \overline{\smash{)320}}$ $-300$ $\underline{20}$ $-20$ $\underline{0}$

The simplified fraction is:

$\frac{32}{100} = \frac{2}{25}$

Alternatively, if the denominator is 100, write the numerator of the given fraction and count two digits of the numerator from right. Then, put a decimal point followed by zero if there is no any digit in the left of the decimal point as follows:

Therefore, $32\% = \frac{32}{100} = 0.32$.