Carpentry & Building Construction © 2004

Math Activities :

Self-Check Math Activity 12

Converting Fractions to Percents

Carpenters may come across percents with fractional parts, such as 7 3/4%. To convert the fractional part to a percent, divide the numerator of the fraction by its denominator. Replace the fraction with the decimal. Round the number to the nearest one-hundredth.

Terms, Symbols, & Abbreviations
numerator - top number in a fraction
denominator - bottom number in a fraction

Practice Exercise

Convert the fractional part of 8 3/8%.
Step 1	Divide the numerator by the denominator.
	3 ÷ 8 = 0.375
Step 2	Replace 3/8 with .375.
	8 3/8% = 8.375%
The rounded answer is 8.38%

Problem Exercises


1.	Simplify 72 7/16%. Round to the nearest hundredth.
		A)	72.00%
		B)	72.43%
		C)	72.44%
		D)	72.45%


2.	Simplify 18 1/3%. Round to the nearest hundredth.
		A)	18.3333
		B)	18.3333%
		C)	18.33%
		D)	18.30%


3.	Simplify 2 1/2%. Round to the nearest hundredth.
		A)	.25%
		B)	2.5%
		C)	.03%
		D)	0.02%


4.	The interest on a construction loan is 4 3/8%. Simplify the loan rate.
		A)	4.3%
		B)	4.30%
		C)	4.37%
		D)	4.38%


5.	The overhead expenses on a job are 15 5/8%. Simplify the overhead percentage.
		A)	15.63%
		B)	15.62%
		C)	16.60%
		D)	16.00%