Percentages · Usually met around P6
Ordering fractions, decimals and percentages
Make them all percentages (or decimals), then compare.
How to do it
Method
Make them all percentages (or decimals), then compare
35 = 60%, 0.58 = 58%: 0.58 < 35 < 62%
Another way
All as decimals
35 = 0.6, 62% = 0.62: 0.58 < 0.6 < 0.62
In full
When fractions, decimals and percentages are mixed, write them all the same way first, then compare. Most often, make them all percentages: 35 = 60100 = 60%, 0.58 = 58100 = 58%, and 62% stays as it is, so 58% < 60% < 62%, which means 0.58 < 35 < 62%. Or make them all decimals: 35 = 0.6 and 62% = 0.62, then compare digit by digit from the tenths. Careful: 0.5 is 50%, not 5%; 0.05 is 5%. Or use numbers you know as landmarks: 12 = 50%, 14 = 25%, 34 = 75%; mark each number on a line from 0 to 1, and the further right, the bigger.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
The number the arrow points to on the number line, written as a percentage, is □%.
Show the answer and working
Answer: 85
0 to 1 is split into 20 small steps, each 120 = 5%; the arrow is at step 17: 17 × 5 = 85%.
Example 2
34 is □% more than 63%.
Show the answer and working
Answer: 12
34 = 75%; 75% − 63% = 12%.
Example 3
Which number is the smallest?
- A. 1325
- B. 0.45
- C. 0.57
- D. 61%
Choose the right answer
Show the answer and working
Answer: B. 0.45
All as percentages: 1325 = 52%, 0.57 = 57%, 0.45 = 45%, and 61%. The smallest is 45%.
Practise it in the game →Percentages · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download