Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Percentages (2)

In a Year 5 mathematics lesson on percentages, students learn to represent numbers in various forms. The example given illustrates how the number of brown eggs, which is 6 out of 100, can be expressed not only as a fraction (6/100) but also as a decimal (0.06). To enhance their understanding, students are introduced to a third representation – a percentage. The term 'percentage' is explained as a value out of 100, and thus the 6 brown eggs become 6% when shown as a percentage. The term '%' is read as 'per cent', and in this context, it conveys that 6% of the eggs, or 6 out of every 100, are brown. This means that six per cent is the same as saying 6 out of 100.

Further reinforcing the concept, the lesson presents another scenario where Padma has a piece of paper divided into 100 equally sized squares. She colours one of these squares green and then represents this single green square in the three different forms: as a fraction (1/100), as a decimal (0.01), and as a percentage (1%). This example prompts students to consider the various ways a number can be represented, and it solidifies their understanding of the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages. Through these exercises, students discover that regardless of the form, the value remains consistent, providing a practical insight into how percentages work in everyday contexts.