Convert the decimal numbers to whole number percentages.
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert decimal numbers to whole number percentages, multiply each decimal by 100 and remove the percent sign’s decimal places if any. For example:
- 0.45 = 0.45 × 100 = 45%
- 0.08 = 0.08 × 100 = 8%
- 1.25 = 1.25 × 100 = 125%
- 0.007 = 0.007 × 100 = 0.7%, and rounded to the nearest whole number = 1%
- 0.999 = 0.999 × 100 = 99.9%, rounded = 100%
Explanation:
To change a decimal into a whole number percentage, the first step is to understand that the word percent means “per hundred.” This means that when a decimal is multiplied by 100, it is being converted into a fraction out of 100, which is what a percentage represents.
For instance, if someone scores 0.75 on a test out of 1, multiplying 0.75 by 100 gives 75. This means the person scored 75 percent of the total. Similarly, if the decimal is very small like 0.005, multiplying it by 100 results in 0.5. Since the question asks for whole number percentages, rounding 0.5 to the nearest whole number gives 1%.
In cases where the decimal is greater than 1, such as 1.25, multiplying by 100 gives 125, which means the value is 125 percent. This happens when the value exceeds the original whole.
After multiplying the decimal by 100, rounding may be required to make it a whole number. Rounding depends on the tenths place. If it is 5 or higher, round up. If it is less than 5, round down.
This conversion is useful in many situations such as expressing interest rates, test scores, discounts, or population statistics. Percentages provide a clear and easy way to compare values relative to 100, making information easier to interpret and communicate in daily life and academic settings.