Conversion
Maths: Edexcel IGCSE Higher, topic 1.2.3
Converting Between Fractions and Terminating Decimals
Fraction into a decimal
- To convert a fraction into a decimal divide the numerator by the denominator.
- You may need to use long division and use a recurring symbol if needed.
Terminating decimal to fraction
- To convert a terminating (not recurring) decimal into a fraction:
- Put the number after the decimal point on top and a power of ten on the bottom with as many zeros as there were decimal places.
- Remember to cancel down fractions if possible.
Fractions and Percentages
A percentage is ‘parts per hundred’ and is written with a % sign which is called ‘percent’.
Percent to fraction
- To convert between a percentage and a fraction write the number before the percent sign on the top and 100 on the bottom.
- 45% is 45 parts per 100 so is equivalent to the fraction \frac{45}{100} = \frac{9}{20} .
Fraction to percent
- To convert from a fraction to a percent multiply both the top and bottom lines of the fraction by the same amount so that the bottom line equals 100.
- \frac{17}{20} = \frac{85}{100}= 85%
Test yourself on Conversion
What is 1⁄2 as a decimal?
What is 1⁄3 as a decimal?
What is 2⁄3 as a decimal?
What is 1⁄3 as a decimal?
How do we convert a percentage to a fraction?