Question

Write each percent as a decimal number. $$75 \%$$

Short answer

Answer: The decimal equivalent of 75% is 0.75.

Step-by-step solution

Divide the percentage by 100

Divide 75 by 100. $$ \frac{75}{100} $$

Convert the fraction to a decimal

Divide the numerator (75) by the denominator (100) to get the decimal number. $$ 75 ÷ 100 = 0.75$$ The decimal equivalent of $$75 \%$$ is 0.75.

Key concepts

Understanding Percents

Percent is a term that originates from the Latin word ‘per centum’, which means ‘by the hundred’. It is a method of expressing a number as a fraction of 100.
In other words, it represents parts per hundred, so when you see a number followed by a percent sign (%) it tells you how many parts out of one hundred.
For example, 75% means 75 out of 100.

• It’s a way to easily compare different amounts of the same whole.
• Percents are widely used in finance, sales, and statistics.
• They help make sense of parts as a relative value of a whole.

Knowing how to work with percents is a crucial part of mathematics, making it easier to understand changes, growth, and fluctuations in various situations.

Decimal Conversion Simplified

Converting percents to decimals is an essential skill in basic arithmetic. It involves moving from one way of expressing numbers to another. The conversion process is straightforward:
Divide the percent by 100. This action shifts the decimal point two places to the left.
Let's illustrate with an example:

• Take 75% and divide it by 100: \(\frac{75}{100} = 0.75\).
• Here, you basically move the decimal point in 75 two spaces to the left, transforming it into 0.75.

Remember, this method works for any percentage, whether it's 1% or 99%, making it incredibly handy for various calculations in math and daily life.

Basic Arithmetic Essentials

Arithmetic forms the bedrock of mathematics education. It involves simple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Converting percentages to decimals, like we saw with 75%, is an example of basic arithmetic operations in action.
Here’s how this conversion works:

• Firstly, understand the concept of dividing by 100. This division reduces the number to a smaller equal part.
• Secondly, when dividing, handle the numerator and denominator carefully. For instance, 75 divided by 100 gives 0.75.
• Finally, becoming comfortable with such conversions enhances numeracy skills, beneficial in real-life applications.

Mastering basic arithmetic operations helps you tackle more complex mathematical concepts efficiently.

The Role of Mathematics Education

Mathematics education is about understanding numbers and their relationships. Learning about percentages and decimal conversions is a part of this broader educative goal. It prepares students to use math in everyday contexts.
Several key benefits include:

• Improved problem-solving skills. It makes numerical problems easier.
• Critical thinking enhancement. Helps in logical reasoning.
• Practical applications. Percent and decimals are used in budgeting, cooking, shopping, and more.

Education in these areas builds a strong foundation for future learning and application in diverse fields. Understanding these conversions is essential for anyone in fields that require data analysis, finance, or everyday decision making.