EXAMPLE:Change each fraction or mixed number to a percent:
(a)3
5
(b)9
10
(c)5
8
(d) 11
4
SOLUTION:
ðaÞ 5 Þ 3 : 0: (^63)
5
¼ 0 : 6 ¼ 60 %
30
0
ðbÞ 10 Þ 9 : 0: (^99)
10
¼ 0 : 9 ¼ 90 %
90
0
ðcÞ 8 Þ 5 : 00: (^6255)
8
¼ 0 : 625 ¼ 62 : 5 %
48
20
16
40
40
0
ðdÞ 11
4
¼
5
4
4 Þ 5 : 00
1 : 25
1
1
4
¼ 1 : 25 ¼ 125 %
4
10
8
20
20
A percent word problem has three numbers: the whole, total, or base (B);
the part (P); and the rate or percent (R). Suppose that in a class of 30
students, there are 6 absent. Now the whole or total is 30 and the part is 6.
The rate or percent of students who were absent is 306 ¼^15 ¼ 20 %.
In a percent problem, you will be given two of the three numbers and will
be asked to find the third number. Percent problems can be solved by using a
percent circle. The circle is shown in Figure RIII-1.
REFRESHER III Percents 37