Confidence with numbers module

Confidence with numbers helps students overcome their obstacles and barriers in working with numbers and understand how to present and interpret numerical data.

Sample activity: Examine how to convert fractions to percentages

Illustration of a group of people in a circle with a fraction moving out

A fraction is a part of a whole, such as a half or third. When it isn’t easy to see how fractions or proportions of different items compare, then it is worth converting fractions into percentages.

 

To convert a fraction to a percentage:

  • Divide the part by the whole
  • Multiply the result by 100

Practise calculating percentages

My journal

How difficult did you find it working with fractions and percentages? Did it get easier after a few questions, or do you need more practice?

Module Content

Confidence with numbers features the following:

  • Diagnostic test
  • Section 1: Confidence with numbers
  • Module assessment

See what’s in the module below:

Focus
  • Questioning numbers and statistics
  • Diving into fractions
  • Understanding percentages
  • Getting to grips with 'averages'?
  • Using tables, charts and graphs
  • Interpreting graphs
  • Skills self-assessment

Examine how to convert fractions to percentages

A fraction is a part of a whole, such as a half or third. When it isn’t easy to see how fractions or proportions of different items compare, then it is worth converting fractions into percentages.

 

To convert a fraction to a percentage:

  • Divide the part by the whole
  • Multiply the result by 100


Easy conversions from fractions and percentages

Look for proportions that help you calculate a percentage quickly in your head. For example, ’24 out of 96’ is the same proportion as ‘1 in 4’ (4 x 24 = 96) or 25%. If you know your ‘tables’, you will find it easier to recognise proportions. Here is a list of useful conversions for you to download.

 

My journal

How difficult did you find it working with fractions and percentages? Did it get easier after a few questions, or do you need more practice?

Download a table of Easy conversions from fractions and percentages.