"Finding a Percentage of a Number: Multiplying Fractions and Decimals" is a worksheet that walks students step-by-step through the process of finding the percentage of a number.

95% of 160 is one example. The problem is broken down, showing students that to find the answer, they must multiply 95/100 x 160. Next, it is displayed as 0.95 x 160. At the bottom, the multiplication problem is displayed vertically so students can work through it step-by-step. There are four problems like this at the top of the page located inside their own section.

At the bottom of the page, the last two problems only list the percentage of a number, like 88% of 50. Students have to go through the process on their own, but they can refer to the problems above if they need help. There is plenty of room in the last two boxes, as well as the preceding four boxes, for students to write out their thinking.

Finding the percentage of a number by using multiplication can be tricky for students to understand. It can be helpful if you scaffold the process for them as they're learning.

For example, when finding 36% of 250, you can start by giving students practice converting percentages to fractions. Once they are comfortable doing that, you can have them practice converting fractions to decimals. They should get plenty of practice moving between all three in any direction, like starting with a decimal and turning it into a percentage or starting with a percentage and turning it into a fraction.

Then, you can show them how finding the answer involves multiplying the decimal and the number. Walk them through the process of multiplying two numbers like .36 x 250 and show them how to add in the decimal at the end. Once they have had plenty of practice, you can give them the problem and have them work through the steps on their own.