ACT Math : How to find percentage from a fraction a1

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Fractions

 is equivalent to what percentage?

Possible Answers:

4.5%

15%

5.5%

45%

55%

Correct answer:

55%

Explanation:

Divide the fraction out to get the decimal

5.5 / 10 = 0.55

To find the percentage, shift the decimal point two to the right = 55%

 

Example Question #1 : Fractions

Write   as a percent

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To find a percent from a fraction you can either divide the number on your calculator and multiply by 100:

or you can just multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number that makes the denominator equal to 100 (because a % is just #/100):

 

Example Question #1 : Fractions

One half of a group of professors is made up of mathematicians, and one fourth of the remaining portion is made up of philosophers. The remaining portion is made up of sociologists. If there are  professors in the room, how many are sociologists?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To begin, remember with percentages that "of" means multiplication and "is" means "equals." Now, we know that one fourth of the remaining half are philosophers. This means that he philosophers really are:

So, there are  sociologists as a percentage. This is:


Therefore,  of the  are sociologists, or:

 are sociologists.

Example Question #1 : Fractions And Percentage

Convert the following fraction into a percent.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert a fraction into a percent, make the denominator 100 and then the numerator will be the percent. Thus,

 

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