Three Ways to Write the Same Number

Start with what a fraction actually says, learn why two different-looking fractions can be equal, then move freely between fractions, decimals and percentages. The last part asks the harder question — what a percentage is really measuring — because a percentage on its own tells you less than most people assume.

48 min to complete

Beginner level

4 Parts

CodePLU Goal

Upgrading Human Mental Models

Learn how to think in Workflows

Build 3/4 down into its three parts, and what each one does

Beginner 10 min Part 1

What Does a Fraction Actually Mean?

A fraction is not one number but two doing different jobs. Learn what the top and bottom each tell you, and build 3/4 down into its three working parts in an interactive playground.

Simplify 12/16 down to its lowest terms, one step at a time

Beginner 12 min Part 2

How Can Two Different Fractions Be Equal?

1/2, 2/4 and 8/16 are the same amount written three ways. Learn why multiplying or dividing both parts changes nothing.

Close the loop: 3/4 to 0.75 to 75% and back again

Beginner 14 min Part 3

How Do You Convert Between Fractions, Decimals and Percentages?

3/4, 0.75 and 75% are one value in three notations. Learn the move between each pair, then close the conversion loop yourself.

See how the same percentage produces wildly different amounts

Beginner 12 min Part 4

What Is a Percentage Actually Measuring?

A percentage on its own tells you almost nothing — it needs something to be a percentage of. Learn why the base decides everything, in an interactive playground.