Problem 1 - Elementary Algebra Within Reach

Question

Convert the decimal or fraction to a percent. $$0.62$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The decimal \(0.62\) converts to \(62%\).

Step 1: Identify the Decimal to be Converted

The decimal value to be converted into a percentage is \(0.62\).

Step 2: Convert Decimal into Percentage

To convert the decimal into a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100: \(0.62 * 100 = 62\).

Step 3: Add the Percentage Symbol

After multiplying, add the percentage symbol (%) to the end of the number to indicate that it is a percentage: \(62%\).

Key Concepts

Converting Decimal to Percent

Understanding how to convert a decimal to a percent is a key mathematical skill. A decimal simply expresses a number that is not whole, often representing values less than one. To convert a decimal into a percentage, you're essentially shifting its value from a base of 1 (or 10) to a base of 100, which is what percentages represent. Think of percentages as tiny slices of a whole cake, where the entire cake is divided into 100 equal pieces.

For example, if you have a decimal of 0.62, it means 62 pieces out of 100, or 62%. This visualization can help you better grasp the idea of percentages as parts of a whole. Remember that converting a decimal to a percent can make expressing and comparing different quantities much more intuitive, especially in real-life situations like calculating sales tax or understanding statistical data.

Multiplying by 100

To convert the decimal to a percentage, you multiply by 100. This step moves your decimal value two places to the right, which scales it up to the equivalent percentage value.

• Think about it this way: Multiplying by 100 transforms the decimal from a fraction out of 1 into a fraction out of 100, which is exactly what a percentage is.
• For the decimal 0.62, multiplying by 100 shifts it to 62, effectively blowing it up to its percentage form.
• This step is straightforward and can be done manually or with a calculator, ensuring accuracy while handling different decimal values.

Understanding this multiplication helps solidify why we use 100 as a multiplying factor when converting decimals to percentages. It's a crucial step that doesn't just change the number, but changes its context, allowing for clear and easy comparison between different numbers.

Adding Percentage Symbol

The final step in converting a decimal to a percentage is to add the percentage symbol (%). This symbol is more than just a decoration; it indicates that your number is now a percentage.

Adding this symbol signifies that the number is out of 100 parts. For example, after finding that 0.62 becomes 62 through multiplication, adding the % symbol communicates the complete transformation: 62%.

• It's crucial to remember this final step to avoid confusion and to convey the correct form.
• The percentage symbol helps make your calculation readily understandable and applicable in contexts that require percentages, such as reports, evaluations, and everyday calculations.

By adding the %, you ensure your conversion is clear and aligns with the universal understanding of percentages as parts per 100.