ACT Math : How to find a fraction from a percentage

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Percentage

We asked 1000 people their preferences of movie genres. 7.5% of those asked preferred horror movies, 35% preferred romantic films, 20% preferred dramas and 37.5% preferred comedies. How many people liked horror films?

Possible Answers:

37.5

35

75

7.5

750

Correct answer:

75

Explanation:

People who prefer horror films = 1000 people x 7.5% = 1000 x 0.075 = 75 people

Example Question #2 : Percentage

There are 20 students in a class. 35 percent of the students in the class are boys. What fraction of the class is girls? 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

There are 20 total students in the class. 35% of 20 is 7. There are 7 boys in the class.

 girls in the class.

Example Question #3 : Percentage

Which of the following represents  as a fraction?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To represent a percentage as a fraction, keep the percentage in the numerator and put  in the denominator.

Therefore: 

 

Example Question #4 : Percentage

Which of the following fractions is equivalent to 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert an integer percentage into an improper fraction, set the percentage as a fraction over  and simplify as far as you can. At that point, simply convert the improper fraction into a mixed fraction.

Example Question #5 : Percentage

A politician promises to spend up to  of his budget on improving roads. Which of the following is closest to the fraction of their budget the politician must devote to road improvement?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert a decimal percentage into a fraction, first convert it to a decimal:

Now, set ths as a fraction with  as the denominator (expanding to as many significant digits as you need to line the fraction up):

Now just reduce your fraction!

Example Question #1 : How To Find A Fraction From A Percentage

Convert to a fraction: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert a percentage to a fraction, divide the percentage by 100, then simplify. The presence of a variable does not significantly affect this process.

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