Understanding Decimal Conversions: The Case of 66 2/3%

When it comes to the world of mathematics, understanding conversions between percentages and decimals is a fundamental skill that pays off, especially when preparing for the FTCE General Knowledge Math Test. So, let’s tackle an example: converting 66 2/3% into its decimal equivalent. Ready? Let’s dive in!

First things first—what does 66 2/3% even mean? To figure this out, we first have to convert the percentage into a fraction. Think of it like taking a trip; every step is important on the journey to your destination. In this case, we need to turn the mixed number (66 2/3) into an improper fraction. You may remember from your earlier math classes that an improper fraction makes calculation a breeze.

66 is equal to 198/3 (since 66 multiplied by 3 gives us 198). Then, adding the 2/3 gives us a total of 200/3%. So, our percentage is now elegantly expressed as 200/3%.

Next up, how do we move from a percentage to a decimal? It’s really quite simple! The trick here is to divide the entire fraction by 100. Here’s where it gets fun:

(200/3) ÷ 100 can also be written as (200/3) × (1/100). If you're scratching your head wondering why we do this, it's all about keeping the same operation intact while simplifying our work. When we multiply, we have:

200/300, which simplifies to 2/3.

Now we’re in the home stretch! It’s time to convert the fraction 2/3 into decimal form. When you whip out your calculator (or if you're brave enough to do this by hand), you’ll find that 2 divided by 3 results in approximately 0.6666... and if you round that, you get 0.67.

So, here’s the big reveal: the decimal equivalent of 66 2/3% is indeed 0.67! 🎉

Why is this important? Well, for anyone preparing for an exam like the FTCE General Knowledge Math Test, mastering these types of conversions is crucial. You wouldn’t want to stumble over an easy question like this one due to a simple mistake, right?

Now, here’s a little food for thought: the more comfortable you get with these calculations, the more confidence you’ll build for tackling real-world problems later on—like budgeting your monthly expenses or figuring out discounts while shopping. Knowing how to convert percentages into decimals can save you time and money!

To wrap things up, whether you're prepping for a test or simply want to boost your math skills, understanding how to handle percentages and their decimal counterparts is a must. Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep working on those conversion problems, and soon enough, you’ll find them second nature. So, what do you think? Ready to tackle that math test head-on?