Understand percent as a rate per 100 and convert fluently among percents, fractions, and decimals.
"Percent" means "per hundred." 45% means 45 out of every 100 - the same amount as the fraction 45/100 or the decimal 0.45.
To change a percent to a decimal, move the decimal point two places left and drop the % sign: 45% = 0.45. To go back, move it two places right.
To change a fraction to a percent, first write it with a denominator of 100, or divide to get a decimal and then move the decimal point: 3/4 = 75/100 = 75%.
Mastery looks like: They convert fluently among percent, fraction, and decimal forms for common values.
Common stumbles: Moving the decimal point the wrong direction or the wrong number of places; forgetting to simplify the resulting fraction.
See it visually
Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.