What Is 17/20 As A Percentage

What is 17/20 as a Percentage? A Simple Guide

Knowing how to convert fractions to percentages is a fundamental skill in math, useful in various everyday situations from calculating discounts to understanding test scores. This article will clearly explain how to convert the fraction 17/20 into a percentage, providing a step-by-step guide and offering helpful tips for similar conversions.

Understanding the Concept

A percentage is simply a fraction expressed as a number out of 100. To find the percentage equivalent of a fraction, you need to manipulate the fraction until its denominator (the bottom number) becomes 100. Then, the numerator (the top number) will represent the percentage.

Converting 17/20 to a Percentage: Step-by-Step

Here's how to convert the fraction 17/20 into a percentage:

1. Find the equivalent fraction with a denominator of 100: To do this, we ask: "What number do we multiply 20 by to get 100?" The answer is 5.

2. Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 5: This ensures we maintain the proportional value of the fraction. So, we have: (17 x 5) / (20 x 5) = 85/100

3. Express as a percentage: Since the denominator is now 100, the numerator directly represents the percentage. Therefore, 85/100 is equal to 85%.

Alternative Method: Using Decimal Conversion

Another way to convert 17/20 to a percentage is by first converting it into a decimal and then multiplying by 100.

1. Divide the numerator by the denominator: 17 ÷ 20 = 0.85

2. Multiply the decimal by 100: 0.85 x 100 = 85

3. Add the percentage symbol: 85%

Both methods will give you the same answer: 17/20 is equal to 85%.

Practical Applications and Further Learning

Understanding fraction-to-percentage conversions is crucial for various real-world applications. For example, if you scored 17 out of 20 on a test, you scored 85%. Similarly, if a store offers a discount of 17/20 on an item, it means you get an 85% discount.

This simple conversion process can be applied to any fraction. Remember to always maintain the proportional value of the fraction by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number. Practice converting different fractions to percentages to strengthen your understanding. Mastering this skill will significantly improve your mathematical capabilities and problem-solving skills.