Problem 18 - Prealgebra

Question

Change each percent to a decimal. $$7.25 \%$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

7.25% as a decimal is 0.0725.

Step 1: Understanding Percentages

Percent means 'per hundred', so 7.25% means 7.25 per 100.

Step 2: Converting Percent to Decimal

To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide it by 100. This involves moving the decimal point two places to the left.

Step 3: Apply the Conversion

Move the decimal point in 7.25 two places to the left to convert it to decimal. 7.25% becomes 0.0725.

Key Concepts

Math Conversion

Math conversion is all about changing numbers from one format to another. When dealing with percentages, this often involves turning them into decimal form.
Percentages typically represent numbers out of 100. This means a percentage like 50% is equivalent to 50 out of 100 or simply 50 divided by 100.
To convert a percentage to a decimal, you divide the percentage by 100. This shifts the decimal point two places to the left.

• For example, converting 50% would result in 0.50.
• Similarly, for 7.25%, you shift the decimal point to get 0.0725.

By understanding this process, you can easily handle similar math conversion tasks.

Decimal Representation

Decimal representation is a method of expressing numbers in a form that uses a decimal point. This point separates whole numbers from fractional parts.
When converting percentages to decimals, the goal is to represent the value as a fraction of one.
Decimals are preferred in many mathematical operations because they provide a clear way to show parts of a whole.

• After converting a percentage like 7.25% to a decimal, it becomes 0.0725.
• Here, 0 indicates that the value is less than one, and the digits after the point show the exact fraction.

Understanding decimals helps in visualizing and operating with small numbers or fractions, making calculations much more straightforward.

Percentages in Mathematics

Percentages are everywhere in mathematics! They are used to describe proportions, make comparisons, and express numbers in a familiar way.
A percentage represents a part of a total 100 parts, making it an invaluable tool for interpreting data and finding significance in numbers.
Converting these percentages to their decimal form keeps things simple in arithmetic operations.

• For example, using a calculator for repeated operations becomes easier with decimals.
• It also helps in understanding scale and size by quickly comparing numbers.

Remember, percentages help us in understanding fractions intuitively, and mastering this conversion is a key mathematical skill.