Convert 71 2/3 % to a fraction in lowest terms.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert 71 2/3% to a fraction in lowest terms:
Correct Answer:
4360\boxed{\frac{43}{60}}
Detailed Explanation (300+ words):
Converting a percent to a fraction in lowest terms involves a few systematic steps. Let’s walk through them carefully using 71 2/3% as an example.
Step 1: Convert the mixed number percent to an improper fraction
The percentage given is a mixed number: 7123%71 \frac{2}{3}\%
First, convert this mixed number to an improper fraction.
To do that, multiply the whole number part (71) by the denominator of the fractional part (3) and then add the numerator: 71×3=213213+2=21571 \times 3 = 213 \\ 213 + 2 = 215
So: 7123=215371 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{215}{3}
Step 2: Convert the percent to a fraction
Remember that percent means “per hundred”, so we divide the number by 100: 2153÷100=2153×1100=215300\frac{215}{3} \div 100 = \frac{215}{3} \times \frac{1}{100} = \frac{215}{300}
Now we simplify the fraction 215300\frac{215}{300}.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction
To reduce 215300\frac{215}{300}, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator.
- Prime factorization of 215: 215=5×43215 = 5 \times 43
- Prime factorization of 300: 300=22×3×52300 = 2^2 \times 3 \times 5^2
The common factor is 5.
Divide both numerator and denominator by 5: 215÷5300÷5=4360\frac{215 \div 5}{300 \div 5} = \frac{43}{60}
Final Answer:
4360\boxed{\frac{43}{60}}
Conclusion:
So, 71 2/3% as a fraction in lowest terms is 4360\frac{43}{60}. This process involved converting a mixed number to an improper fraction, interpreting percent as a fraction over 100, multiplying, and simplifying using the GCD. Understanding these steps not only helps with this question but also builds a strong foundation for converting percentages in general.