Express 79.2% as a decimal.
A. 7.92
B. 0.792
C. 79
D. 792
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a percentage to a decimal, the rule is to divide the percentage by 100. This is because percentages are based on 100. Therefore, the steps to convert 79.2% into a decimal are as follows:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Start with the percentage:
The given percentage is 79.2%. - Divide by 100:
To convert the percentage into a decimal, divide 79.2 by 100. [
\frac{79.2}{100} = 0.792
] This division shifts the decimal point two places to the left. If you think of 79.2 as 79.20, moving the decimal two places to the left gives 0.792. - Interpret the result:
The decimal form of 79.2% is 0.792.
Answer:
The correct answer is B. 0.792.
Explanation of Other Options:
- A. 7.92: This is incorrect because dividing 79.2 by 100 would move the decimal two places to the left, not one. If 79.2% were 7.92, it would imply that we multiplied the percentage by 100, which is the opposite of converting it to a decimal.
- C. 79: This option is incorrect because it represents the whole number part of the percentage without the conversion. 79% is equivalent to 0.79, not 79.
- D. 792: This is incorrect because it assumes the percentage was multiplied by 10 instead of divided by 100. If 79.2% were 792, it would imply an incorrect scale.
Summary:
When converting percentages to decimals, remember that the percentage is out of 100. To convert, simply divide the percentage by 100. This method ensures the correct decimal representation of any percentage. In this case, 79.2% as a decimal is 0.792, making B the correct choice.