Reviewed by Mary Grace Carlos
What is 40% as a fraction in simplest form?
Answer: 40% as a fraction in simplest form is 2/5
Percentages represent parts per hundred, and converting a percentage to a fraction is a useful mathematical skill. Simplifying the fraction afterward gives the answer in its lowest terms, making calculations and comparisons easier.
Methods
Math Tutor Explanation Using the Fraction Method
This method converts the percentage to a fraction and then simplifies it to the lowest terms.
Step 1: Step 1: Write 40% as a fraction: 40/100
Step 2: Step 2: Simplify the fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 20
Math Tutor Explanation Using the Division by 100 Method
Viewing the percentage as out of 100, convert directly to a fraction and reduce if possible.
Step 1: Step 1: Recognize that percent means per hundred, so 40% is 40 out of 100, or 40/100
Step 2: Step 2: Find the GCD of 40 and 100, which is 20, and divide both numerator and denominator by 20
Step 1:
Step 2:
Math Tutor suggests: More on Fractions, Percents, and Decimal Conversions
Explore more practice problems where you convert between percents, decimals, and fractions in simplest form.
FAQ on Converting Percentages to Fractions
How do you convert any percentage to a fraction?
Write the percentage over 100 and then simplify the fraction.
Why do we simplify fractions?
Simplifying fractions makes them easier to work with and compare.
Can every percentage be written as a fraction?
Yes, any percentage can be written as a fraction by placing it over 100 and simplifying.
What is the fraction for 100%?
100% as a fraction is 1 (which is 100/100 simplified to 1).
Is 40% as a fraction always 2/5?
Yes, 40% simplifies to 2/5, no matter how you convert it.