Primer: Converting fractions, decimals and percent (FDP)

Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes

Goal: Learn how to move between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (FDP) and recognize that they all represent the same value.

Step 1 — READ (3–5 minutes)

Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Fractions, decimals, and percents are simply different ways to write the same number.

Example:

\frac12 \;\rightarrow\; 0.5 \;\rightarrow\; 50\%

All three represent the exact same amount.

Decimal → Percent

Move the decimal point 2 places RIGHT.

Example:

0.45 \;\rightarrow\; 45\%

Another example:

0.08 \;\rightarrow\; 8\%

Percent → Decimal

Move the decimal point 2 places LEFT.

Example:

7\% \;\rightarrow\; 0.07

Another example:

125\% \;\rightarrow\; 1.25

Fraction → Decimal

To convert a fraction into a decimal,

divide the numerator by the denominator.

Example:

\frac35

↓

3\div5 = 0.6

Decimal → Fraction

Read the decimal place value.

Example:

0.75

↓

\frac{75}{100}

↓

Simplify.

\frac{75}{100} = \frac34

Helpful Benchmark Values

Try to memorize these common conversions.

Fraction	Decimal	Percent
$\frac12$	0.5	50%
$\frac14$	0.25	25%
$\frac34$	0.75	75%
$\frac15$	0.2	20%
$\frac25$	0.4	40%
$\frac35$	0.6	60%
$\frac45$	0.8	80%
$\frac1{10}$	0.1	10%

Strategy: Comparing Fractions, Decimals & Percents

Whenever you need to compare or order fractions, decimals, and percents, convert everything into ONE form first. Usually, decimals are the easiest.

Example

Order from least to greatest:

\frac12,\;0.55,\;48\%

↓

Convert everything to decimals.

\frac12 \;\rightarrow\; 0.50

0.55 \;\rightarrow\; 0.55

48\% \;\rightarrow\; 0.48

↓

Now compare.

0.48<0.50<0.55

↓

Write the original numbers in that order.

48\%,\; \frac12,\; 0.55

⭐ Remember

Don't compare different forms. Instead,

Convert → Compare → Write your final answer using the original forms.

Step 2 — WATCH (5–10 minutes)

Watch ONE of these videos.

Khan Academy Guided Learning — Fractions, Decimals & Percents
Math with Mr. J — Converting Fractions, Decimals & Percents (Watch enough to know what to do — skip around as needed — do not watch the full 40 minutes unless you want to)

Step 3 — TRY IT YOURSELF

1.

Convert to a decimal.

\frac35

2.

Convert to a percent.

0.08

3.

Convert to a decimal.

12.5\%

4.

Order these from least to greatest.

\frac12,\; 0.55,\; 48\%

Come Prepared

⭐ Bring any questions you have.

If you're unsure which form to convert into first, that's okay! We'll practice choosing the easiest conversion during our lesson.