R
Rishtaara
Mathematics from Zero
Lesson 3 of 16Article20 min

Fractions, Decimals & Percents

A fraction a/b means a equal parts when the whole is split into b equal parts (b ≠ 0). Equivalent fractions name the same amount: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6.

Fractions as parts of a whole

A fraction a/b means a equal parts when the whole is split into b equal parts (b ≠ 0). Equivalent fractions name the same amount: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6.

Decimals and percents as the same story

Every terminating or repeating decimal is a fraction in disguise. A percent is "per hundred": 37% = 37/100 = 0.37.

  • Fraction → decimal: divide numerator by denominator.
  • Decimal → percent: multiply by 100 and add %.
  • Percent of a number: convert percent to decimal, then multiply.
  • Finding what percent A is of B: (A/B) × 100%.
"Of" almost always means multiply. "What percent of 80 is 20?" → (20/80)×100% = 25%.

Worked example — shopping discount

A ₹2,400 jacket is 15% off. Discount = 0.15 × 2400 = ₹360. Sale price = 2400 − 360 = ₹2,040. Or compute 0.85 × 2400 directly.