Rewriting Percentages as Fractions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Understanding Percentages and Fractions

Percentages and fractions are two ways to express a part of a whole. Percentages are often used in everyday life to express a value as a part of 100, while fractions are used to express a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers. In this article, we will focus on rewriting a percentage as a fraction in lowest terms.

Rewriting Percentages as Fractions

To rewrite a percentage as a fraction, we need to follow a few simple steps. The first step is to express the percentage as a decimal by dividing the percentage value by 100. For example, 270% can be expressed as a decimal by dividing 270 by 100, which gives us 2.7.

Converting Decimals to Fractions

Once we have expressed the percentage as a decimal, we can convert it to a fraction by writing it as a ratio of two numbers. In this case, 2.7 can be written as a ratio of 27 and 10, which gives us the fraction 27/10.

Reducing Fractions to Lowest Terms

The fraction 27/10 is not in its lowest terms, as both the numerator and the denominator have a common factor of 1. To reduce the fraction to its lowest terms, we need to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). In this case, the GCD of 27 and 10 is 1, so we cannot simplify the fraction further.

Rewriting the Percent as a Mixed Number

A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. In this case, we can rewrite the fraction 27/10 as a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator and writing the remainder as a fraction. In this case, 27 divided by 10 gives us 2 with a remainder of 7, so we can write the fraction as 2 7/10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rewriting a percentage as a fraction in lowest terms involves expressing the percentage as a decimal, converting the decimal to a fraction, and reducing the fraction to its lowest terms. In this case, we were able to rewrite the percentage 270% as the fraction 27/10, which can also be written as the mixed number 2 7/10.

Example Problems

Problem 1

Rewrite the percentage 180% as a fraction in lowest terms.

Solution

To rewrite the percentage 180% as a fraction in lowest terms, we need to follow the same steps as before. First, we express the percentage as a decimal by dividing 180 by 100, which gives us 1.8. Next, we convert the decimal to a fraction by writing it as a ratio of two numbers. In this case, 1.8 can be written as a ratio of 18 and 10, which gives us the fraction 18/10. Finally, we reduce the fraction to its lowest terms by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD, which is 2. This gives us the fraction 9/5.

Problem 2

Rewrite the percentage 120% as a mixed number.

Solution

To rewrite the percentage 120% as a mixed number, we need to follow the same steps as before. First, we express the percentage as a decimal by dividing 120 by 100, which gives us 1.2. Next, we convert the decimal to a fraction by writing it as a ratio of two numbers. In this case, 1.2 can be written as a ratio of 12 and 10, which gives us the fraction 12/10. Finally, we rewrite the fraction as a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator and writing the remainder as a fraction. In this case, 12 divided by 10 gives us 1 with a remainder of 2, so we can write the fraction as 1 2/10.

Tips and Tricks

When rewriting a percentage as a fraction, make sure to express the percentage as a decimal first.
When converting a decimal to a fraction, make sure to write it as a ratio of two numbers.
When reducing a fraction to its lowest terms, make sure to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD.
When rewriting a fraction as a mixed number, make sure to divide the numerator by the denominator and write the remainder as a fraction.

Common Mistakes

Failing to express the percentage as a decimal before rewriting it as a fraction.
Failing to convert the decimal to a fraction before reducing it to its lowest terms.
Failing to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD when reducing a fraction to its lowest terms.
Failing to divide the numerator by the denominator and write the remainder as a fraction when rewriting a fraction as a mixed number.

Real-World Applications

Rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms has many real-world applications. For example, in finance, percentages are often used to express interest rates and investment returns. In science, percentages are often used to express the concentration of a solution or the amount of a substance present in a sample. In everyday life, percentages are often used to express the amount of a discount or the amount of a tip.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the first step in rewriting a percentage as a fraction in lowest terms?

A: The first step in rewriting a percentage as a fraction in lowest terms is to express the percentage as a decimal by dividing the percentage value by 100.

Q: How do I convert a decimal to a fraction?

A: To convert a decimal to a fraction, you need to write it as a ratio of two numbers. For example, the decimal 0.5 can be written as the fraction 5/10.

Q: What is the greatest common divisor (GCD) and how do I use it to reduce a fraction to its lowest terms?

A: The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction. To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, you need to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD.

Q: How do I rewrite a fraction as a mixed number?

A: To rewrite a fraction as a mixed number, you need to divide the numerator by the denominator and write the remainder as a fraction. For example, the fraction 17/5 can be rewritten as the mixed number 3 2/5.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms include failing to express the percentage as a decimal, failing to convert the decimal to a fraction, and failing to reduce the fraction to its lowest terms.

Q: What are some real-world applications of rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms?

A: Some real-world applications of rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms include finance, science, and everyday life. For example, in finance, percentages are often used to express interest rates and investment returns. In science, percentages are often used to express the concentration of a solution or the amount of a substance present in a sample.

Q: How can I practice rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms?

A: You can practice rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms by working through examples and exercises. You can also use online resources and practice tests to help you improve your skills.

Q: What are some tips for rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms?

A: Some tips for rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms include making sure to express the percentage as a decimal first, converting the decimal to a fraction, and reducing the fraction to its lowest terms. You should also make sure to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD when reducing a fraction to its lowest terms.

Additional Resources

Online practice tests and resources
Math textbooks and workbooks
Online math communities and forums
Math tutors and instructors

Conclusion

In conclusion, rewriting percentages as fractions in lowest terms is an important skill that has many real-world applications. By following the steps outlined in this article and practicing regularly, you can improve your skills and become more confident in your ability to rewrite percentages as fractions in lowest terms.