how do you write 1/5 as a percentage

2025

2 min read 31-03-2025

Fractions and percentages are two different ways to represent parts of a whole. Knowing how to convert between them is a useful skill in many areas, from everyday math to more advanced calculations. This article will show you exactly how to convert the fraction 1/5 into a percentage.

Understanding Fractions and Percentages

Before we dive into the conversion, let's quickly recap what fractions and percentages represent.

Fraction: A fraction shows a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers (numerator/denominator). For example, 1/5 means one part out of five equal parts.
Percentage: A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. The symbol "%" represents "per hundred". For example, 25% means 25 out of 100.

Converting 1/5 to a Percentage: The Two Methods

There are two main ways to convert the fraction 1/5 to a percentage:

Method 1: Converting the Fraction to a Decimal

Divide the numerator by the denominator: Divide 1 by 5. This gives you 0.2.
Multiply by 100: Multiply the decimal (0.2) by 100 to convert it to a percentage. This gives you 20.
Add the percentage symbol: Add the "%" symbol to indicate that it's a percentage.

Therefore, 1/5 = 20%

Method 2: Finding an Equivalent Fraction with a Denominator of 100

Find the equivalent fraction: Ask yourself: what number do I need to multiply the denominator (5) by to get 100? The answer is 20 (because 5 x 20 = 100).
Multiply both the numerator and the denominator: Multiply both the numerator (1) and the denominator (5) by 20. This gives you 20/100.
Express as a percentage: Since a percentage is a fraction out of 100, 20/100 is equal to 20%.

Why is this important?

Understanding how to convert fractions to percentages is crucial for many everyday tasks, including:

Calculating discounts: A 1/5 discount is the same as a 20% discount.
Understanding statistics: Percentages are frequently used to represent data in charts and graphs.
Solving problems involving proportions: Converting fractions to percentages often simplifies calculations.

Conclusion

Both methods demonstrate that 1/5 is equal to 20%. Choose the method that you find easier and remember that understanding this conversion can be helpful in a variety of situations. Now you know how to easily convert fractions into percentages!