Problem 289 - Intermediate Algebra

Question

In the following exercises, convert each decimal to a percent. $$ 0.0625 $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

6.25%

Step 1 - Understand the Conversion

Converting a decimal to a percent involves moving the decimal point two places to the right and then adding the percent symbol (%).

Step 2 - Move the Decimal Point

Take the decimal number 0.0625 and move the decimal point two places to the right. This changes 0.0625 into 6.25.

Step 3 - Add the Percent Symbol

After moving the decimal point, add the percent symbol (%) to the number. Therefore, 6.25 becomes 6.25%.

Key Concepts

Percent Conversion

Percent conversion is a vital mathematical concept, especially useful in various real-life scenarios like calculating discounts, interest rates, and data analysis. When you convert a number to a percent, you're simply expressing it as a fraction of 100. This helps make comparisons clearer and data more understandable.

Let’s consider the decimal 0.0625, as in the exercise. When converting, the fundamental idea is to figure out what part of 100 it represents. This makes it easy to see, for instance, how a small fraction stacks up in a bigger picture. Whether you're shopping, studying finance, or analyzing statistics, mastering percent conversion lets you work with these numbers efficiently.

Decimal to Percent

Now, let’s dive into converting a decimal to a percent. If you have a decimal, like 0.0625, here's what you need to do:

• Step 1: Understand that percentages are fractions out of 100.
• Step 2: To convert a decimal to a percent, simply move the decimal point two places to the right.
• Step 3: Attach the percent symbol (%) to your new number.

So, taking 0.0625:

• Moving the decimal point two places to the right turns 0.0625 into 6.25.
• Finally, add the percent symbol to get 6.25%.

Breaking it down like this makes the process easy to follow and understand. Remember, the key is to always move the decimal point two places right.

Mathematical Conversion Techniques

Understanding mathematical conversion techniques can make your life easier, especially when dealing with different forms of numbers. Converting between decimals, fractions, and percents allows you to switch between forms that might be more useful for your particular needs.

• Concept: Moving the decimal point two places to the right turns a decimal into a percent.
• Application: The reverse is also true. For example, converting 6.25% back into a decimal would mean moving the decimal point two places to the left, making it 0.0625.
• Advantages: Mastery of these conversions helps in various areas such as statistics, finance, and everyday scenarios.

Practice different examples to strengthen your conversion skills. For instance, converting 0.5, 0.75, and 0.123 into percents:

• 0.5 becomes 50%.
• 0.75 becomes 75%.
• 0.123 becomes 12.3%.

Consistently practicing these techniques ensures that they become second nature when you need them.