what is 2.6% written as a decimal
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answer:
2.6% written as a decimal is 0.026.
Explanation:
To convert a percentage to a decimal, you divide the percentage by 100. This is because the word “percent” means “per hundred.” So, 2.6% literally means 2.6 out of 100.
Here are the steps to convert 2.6% to a decimal:
- Start with the percentage: 2.6%
- Divide by 100:
2.6100=0.026\frac{2.6}{100} = 0.0261002.6=0.026
This result gives you the decimal form of the percentage.
An easy way to remember this is by simply moving the decimal point two places to the left. Since 2.6 has one digit after the decimal point, moving it two places to the left adds a leading zero. So:
- Original: 2.6
- Move the decimal two places left: 0.026
Let’s look at why this works. When you divide by 10, you move the decimal one place to the left. When you divide by 100, you move it two places. So dividing by 100 shifts the decimal point two digits to the left, which is what we’re doing here when converting from percent to decimal.
Another way to think of this is in terms of fractions. 2.6% is the same as 2.6 per 100, which is 2.6/100. When you divide 2.6 by 100, you get 0.026. This is a useful perspective when working with more complex percentages, especially in science and finance.
This decimal form is often used in calculations, such as finding interest rates or determining discounts. For example, if an item costs $50 and you have a 2.6% discount, you would multiply $50 by 0.026 to find the discount amount.
Understanding how to convert percentages into decimals is essential for many real-world applications, including shopping, budgeting, and interpreting data.
