12/20 as a percentage

2 min read 16-01-2025

Knowing how to convert fractions to percentages is a fundamental skill with many real-world applications. This article will clearly explain how to calculate 12/20 as a percentage, providing a step-by-step guide and demonstrating the broader concept. Understanding this will help you tackle similar fraction-to-percentage conversions with confidence.

Understanding Fractions and Percentages

Before diving into the calculation, let's quickly review the basics. A fraction represents a part of a whole. In the fraction 12/20, 12 is the numerator (the part) and 20 is the denominator (the whole). A percentage is a way of expressing a fraction as a number out of 100. The symbol "%" signifies "per hundred".

Calculating 12/20 as a Percentage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to convert the fraction 12/20 into a percentage:

Step 1: Divide the Numerator by the Denominator

Divide the numerator (12) by the denominator (20):

12 ÷ 20 = 0.6

Step 2: Multiply by 100

To convert the decimal (0.6) into a percentage, multiply by 100:

0.6 x 100 = 60

Step 3: Add the Percentage Symbol

Finally, add the percentage symbol (%) to indicate that the result is a percentage:

60%

Therefore, 12/20 is equal to 60%.

Simplifying the Fraction (Optional)

Before performing the division, you can simplify the fraction 12/20 by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 12 and 20, which is 4. Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 4 simplifies the fraction to 3/5. Then, follow steps 1-3 above using the simplified fraction:

3 ÷ 5 = 0.6 0.6 x 100 = 60 60%

This demonstrates that simplifying the fraction beforehand doesn't change the final percentage. It just makes the calculation slightly easier.

Real-World Applications

Converting fractions to percentages is used frequently in various situations, including:

Calculating grades: If you answered 12 out of 20 questions correctly on a test, your score is 60%.
Determining discounts: A 60% discount means you'll pay 40% of the original price.
Analyzing data: Percentages are often used to represent data in charts and graphs for easier understanding.
Financial calculations: Percentages are essential for calculating interest rates, profits, and losses.

Other Examples of Fraction to Percentage Conversions

Let's look at a few more examples to solidify your understanding:

5/10: 5 ÷ 10 = 0.5; 0.5 x 100 = 50%; Therefore 5/10 = 50%
15/25: 15 ÷ 25 = 0.6; 0.6 x 100 = 60%; Therefore 15/25 = 60% (Notice this simplifies to 3/5, the same as 12/20)
7/20: 7 ÷ 20 = 0.35; 0.35 x 100 = 35%; Therefore 7/20 = 35%

Conclusion

Converting fractions to percentages is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily determine that 12/20 is equivalent to 60%. This skill is incredibly useful in many aspects of daily life, from academic assessments to financial planning. Remember to practice to build confidence and proficiency. Now you can confidently tackle similar fraction-to-percentage conversions!