Fractions, decimals and percentages are three ways of saying the same thing. The 11+ tests whether children can switch between them smoothly. Here's how to teach the conversion confidently.
Step 1: Anchor the key equivalents
½ = 0.5 = 50%. ¼ = 0.25 = 25%. ¾ = 0.75 = 75%. ⅕ = 0.2 = 20%. ⅒ = 0.1 = 10%. Memorise these and most questions become quick.
Step 2: Practise switching
"What is 0.6 as a fraction?" 0.6 = 6/10 = 3/5. "What is ⅖ as a percentage?" 2 ÷ 5 = 0.4 = 40%. Practice now on conversion problems.
Step 3: Apply to word problems
"30% off a £20 jumper" = 30% of 20 = £6 off = £14. Always identify what the percentage is of — that's where children go wrong.