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What Are Percentages?

Lesson Details

Duration (minutes)
8
Grade Level
6-8

SECTION 1: LISTING METADATA

Suggested Post Title: What Are Percentages? Understanding Parts of 100

Target Grade Level: 6–8

Video Duration: 8 minutes

Short Summary: Learn the fundamental concept of percentages, how to convert between percents, decimals, and fractions, and how to calculate percentages in real-world scenarios.

SECTION 2: HTML WORKSHEET BLOCK

Teacher Note: Use this lesson and worksheet to introduce students to percentages as ratios out of 100. This lesson reinforces key skills in converting between fractions, decimals, and percents, as well as solving practical word problems.

Key Concepts

• Meaning of Percent: The word “percent” comes from the Latin per centum, meaning “per hundred.” A percentage represents a ratio or fraction with a denominator of 100.

• Converting Percent to Fraction: Write the percentage over 100 and reduce to simplest form (e.g., 40% = 40/100 = 2/5).

• Converting Percent to Decimal: Divide the percentage by 100 or shift the decimal point two places to the left (e.g., 68% = 0.68).

• Finding the Percent of a Quantity: Convert the percentage into a decimal or fraction, then multiply by the total amount (e.g., 25% of 80 = 0.25 × 80 = 20).

Student Worksheet

  1. What does the word “percent” literally mean, and what is the base number used for all percentage calculations?
  2. Convert 75% into a fraction in its simplest form.
  3. Convert the decimal 0.42 into a percentage.
  4. A shirt originally costs $40 and is on sale for 20% off. How much money do you save?
  5. In a classroom of 25 students, 60% prefer playing soccer over basketball. How many students prefer soccer?
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key

 

1. “Percent” means “per hundred” or “out of 100.” The base number used for all percentage calculations is 100. [Explained @ 0:45]

2. 3/4. [75% = 75/100, which reduces to 3/4 by dividing numerator and denominator by 25. Explained @ 2:15]

3. 42%. [To convert a decimal to a percent, multiply by 100 or move the decimal point 2 places right. Explained @ 3:50]

4. $8. [0.20 × $40 = $8. Explained @ 5:30]

5. 15 students. [0.60 × 25 = 15 students. Explained @ 7:10]

Disclaimer: Educational resources and worksheet materials are designed for classroom and independent study use.

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