Problem 53 - Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills

Question

Write the percent as a decimal. \(17.4 \%\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The decimal form of \(17.4 \%\) is \(0.174\).

Step 1: Identify the Percentage

We identify the given percent we need to convert. The given percentage is \(17.4 \% \).

Step 2: Convert the Percentage to Decimal

To convert a percentage into a decimal, we divide it by 100. So, we divide \(17.4\) by \(100\), which gives the result \(0.174\).

Key Concepts

Percent to Decimal Conversion

Converting percentages to decimals is an essential skill in mathematics, especially when dealing with various types of calculations in finances, statistics, and even in basic everyday scenarios. To successfully convert a percent to a decimal, remember that the term 'percent' means 'per hundred.' This makes the conversion quite straightforward: you simply divide the given percentage by 100.

For example, in the exercise, the percentage to convert is 17.4%. To change this into a decimal, divide 17.4 by 100, which moves the decimal point two places to the left. Hence, the decimal equivalent of 17.4% is 0.174. To solidify this concept, you can practice converting various percentages, noticing the consistent movement of the decimal point when dividing by 100.

Basic Algebra Skills

Engaging with basic algebra skills is foundational to mathematical understanding and problem-solving. It involves operations on numbers as well as the proper use of equalities and inequalities. When converting percent to decimal, you're applying these skills by manipulating numbers to change their form while maintaining their value.

In other terms, algebra involves finding unknown values, simplifying expressions, and understanding functions. In our exercise, the operation used to convert percent to decimal is simple division. It's vital to comprehend how division affects the number being divided—in our case, how it shifts the decimal point over to convert the percentage into its decimal form. As you enhance your algebra skills through practice, such tasks will become intuitive.

Decimal Operations

Understanding decimal operations is pivotal for working with numbers in their decimal form. This covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, where decimals are involved. One of the key things to remember when performing decimal operations is the placement of the decimal point.

For instance, moving the decimal point to the right or left can significantly change the number's value. In the context of converting percentages to decimals, the operation is a division by 100, which always shifts the decimal point two places to the left. This principle is consistent across all percent to decimal conversions and it is especially useful when dealing with money or measurements, where precision to the hundredth place is common.