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We can use a grid that is 10 by 10 = 100 as a picture for representing percentages.

So, the coloured part above represents 10%, which is the same as 10 out of 100, or 1 column out of 10 columns (so 10% is the same as 1 10 ).

This picture represents 50%, which you can also see from the diagram is the same as a half.

Equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages

We often change between fractions, decimals and percentages, especially with common fractions like 1 2 and 1 4 . To do this, change the fractions into tenths or hundredths. For percentages, work out what fraction they are out of 100.

Example 1 Equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages

Find the equivalent fraction and percentage of 1 2 THINKING WORKING STEP 1

To find the decimal equivalent consider 1 2 of 10 10 × 1 2 = 5 1 2 = 5 10 = five tenths Five tenths = 0.5

STEP 2

To find the equivalent percentage consider 1 2 of 100 100 × 1 2 = 50%

Worked examples divide the steps into Thinking & Working.