---
title: "Decimal & Percent Notation"
description: "Read, write, and use decimal and percentage notation correctly — decimal, decimal point, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, percentage, per cent, % symbol, convert, terminating decimal — and understand "
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimal-and-percent-notation-mt_W17Kbwm0-u
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimal-and-percent-notation-mt_W17Kbwm0-u.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Decimal & Percent Notation

Read, write, and use decimal and percentage notation correctly — decimal, decimal point, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, percentage, per cent, % symbol, convert, terminating decimal — and understand the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages as three ways of expressing the same value

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 8 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimal-and-percent-notation-mt_W17Kbwm0-u

## Ready when they can

- Read and write decimal numbers correctly, identifying the value of each digit (ones, tenths, hundredths)
- Use the % symbol correctly and explain that per cent means 'out of 100'
- Convert between simple fractions, decimals, and percentages (e.g. 1/2 = 0.5 = 50%) and explain why they are equal

## Lesson: Decimals and Percent: Two Ways to Write the Same Number

A decimal number uses a dot called the decimal point. The digits after the point show parts of a whole. The first digit after the point is the tenths place. The second digit is the hundredths place.

*(drawing: This bar has 10 equal parts, and 5 are shaded. That's 5 tenths, written as 0.5.)*

Percent means 'out of 100'. The % symbol is a quick way to write a number out of 100. So 50% means 50 out of 100.

**Example.** Mia has a ribbon and colors half of it. Half is the fraction 1/2. As a decimal, that's 0.5. As a percent, that's 50%, because 50 out of 100 is the same amount as half.

**Tip.** To turn a decimal into a percent, move the decimal point two places to the right and add the % sign. So 0.5 becomes 50%.

**Recap.** Fractions, decimals, and percentages are three different ways to write the exact same amount.

## Practice

20 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Fraction notation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fraction-notation-mt_vKcxX6iNOA)
- [Tenths](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/tenths-mt_YzM5goBctT)

## Opens up

- [Decimals and fractions (age 10+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimals-and-fractions-age-10-mt_4K1dr204Hi)
- [Decimal equivalents of tenths and hundredths](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimal-equivalents-of-tenths-and-hundredths-mt_TqDq6jyOmL)
- [Understanding Percentages](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/understanding-percentages-mt_ZM9mhHsyYZ)