Sometimes, basic math — such as changing decimals to percents and back again — can flummox even the most intelligent people. Here are a few pointers for the math-challenged.
To change decimals to percents:
Move the decimal point two places to the right.
Insert a percent sign.
Example: .55 = 55%
To change percents to decimals:
Eliminate the percent sign.
Move the decimal point two places to the left (sometimes, adding zeros will be necessary).
Example: 7% = .07
To change fractions to percents:
Change the fraction to a decimal.
Change the decimal to a percent.
Example: 2/5 = .4 = 40%
To change percents to fractions:
Drop the percent sign.
Write over one hundred.
Reduce if necessary.
Example: 45% = 45/100 = 9/20
