Learn the 3-Step Method
1Total the parts.
3 + 2 = 5 parts make the whole = 100%.
2Percent per part.
100 ÷ 5 = 20% per part.
3Multiply out.
3 parts = 60%, 2 parts = 40%. (Check: 60 + 40 = 100 ✓)
Worked Example
In a school, 60% walk and the rest cycle. Write walkers : cyclists as a ratio in simplest form.
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
The whole is 100%! 5 parts share 100: 20% each → 60% : 40%.
Part to PART! Cyclists are 40%: 60 : 40 = 3 : 2.
Check! A split’s percentages must sum to 100. 60 + 40 ✓ — anything else means a slip.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Total parts share 100%.
- Percent per part = 100 ÷ total parts.
- Multiply out each side.
- Backwards: % and the rest → ratio → simplify.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- The ratio's total parts share 100%: 3 : 2 → 20% per part.
- Multiply out: 3 : 2 becomes 60% : 40%.
- Backwards: 60% and 'the rest' (40%) → 60 : 40 → 3 : 2.
- A split's percentages must always total 100.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a ratio as percentages?
Add the parts, share 100% between them, and multiply out: 3 : 2 has 5 parts of 20% each, giving 60% and 40%.
How do you turn percentages into a ratio?
Put the two percentages side by side and simplify: 60% : 40% = 60 : 40 = 3 : 2.
Why learn all three forms of a split?
Exam questions switch languages mid-problem — a ratio in the question, a percentage in the answer. Fluent conversion removes the friction.
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