Lesson 1.16: Percent – Ordering & Word Problems | SEA Mathematics | My Carib Academy
SEA 2025-2028 Framework Aligned

📊 Lesson 1.16: Percent – Ordering & Word Problems

Master ordering fractions, decimals & percents and solve one-step & multi-step percent word problems. This lesson covers SEA Mathematics Objectives 93-95 from the Number Strand.

65 Minutes
Module 1: Number
Objectives 93-95
2 Videos
Lesson Progress 0%

Previous Lesson

Did you complete Lesson 1.15? Review Decimals & Introduction to Percent →

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Order and compare fractions, decimals and percents (Objective 93)
  • Convert between fractions, decimals and percents for comparison (Objective 93)
  • Solve one-step percent word problems (Objective 94)
  • Solve multi-step percent word problems (Objective 95)
  • Apply percent to real-life situations (discount, tax, tips)

SEA Tip

Percent word problems appear in Section II and III of the SEA Math paper. These are practical life skills for shopping and money! (SEA Framework Page 21-22)

Watch: Ordering Fractions, Decimals & Percents

Start by watching this video to learn how to compare and order fractions, decimals and percents. Take notes as you watch! 📝

Ordering Fractions, Decimals & Percents – Mathematics Video Lesson

Quick Check

Did you understand the video? Review the notes below before continuing! ✅

Ordering Fractions, Decimals & Percents

To compare fractions, decimals and percents, you must convert them all to the SAME form first!

Conversion Strategy

  1. Choose one form: Convert all to decimals (easiest for comparison)
  2. Convert fractions: Divide numerator ÷ denominator
  3. Convert percents: Divide by 100 (move decimal 2 places left)
  4. Compare: Line up decimal points and compare
  5. Order: Arrange from least to greatest or greatest to least

📋 Quick Conversion Reference:

Fraction Decimal Percent
1/2 0.5 50%
1/4 0.25 25%
3/4 0.75 75%
1/10 0.1 10%
1/5 0.2 20%

📊 Example 1: Ordering from Least to Greatest

Order: 1/2, 0.3, 40%

Solution:

  1. Convert all to decimals:
  2. 1/2 = 0.5
  3. 0.3 = 0.3 (already decimal)
  4. 40% = 0.4
  5. Compare: 0.3 < 0.4 < 0.5
  6. Order: 0.3, 40%, 1/2

Answer: 0.3, 40%, 1/2 (least to greatest)

📊 Example 2: Ordering from Greatest to Least

Order: 75%, 3/4, 0.8

Solution:

  1. Convert all to decimals:
  2. 75% = 0.75
  3. 3/4 = 0.75
  4. 0.8 = 0.8 (already decimal)
  5. Compare: 0.8 > 0.75 = 0.75
  6. Order: 0.8, 75% = 3/4

Answer: 0.8, 75% and 3/4 (equal), from greatest to least

Common Mistake

Don’t compare without converting first! 1/2 looks smaller than 0.3, but 1/2 = 0.5 which is actually LARGER than 0.3!

Watch: Percent Word Problems

Now watch this video to learn how to solve one-step and multi-step percent word problems. Pay attention to the steps! 🎯

One-Step Percent Word Problems – Mathematics Video Lesson

One-Step & Multi-Step Percent Word Problems

Percent word problems are very common in real life – discounts, taxes, tips, and more!

📋 Key Words for Percent Problems:

Operation Key Words
Key Word/Phrase What It Means Operation
Discount Amount reduced from original price Multiply then Subtract
Sale Price Price after discount Original − Discount
Tax Amount added to price Multiply then Add
Total Cost Price including tax Price + Tax
Tip Extra money for service Multiply then Add

📊 Example 3: One-Step Percent Problem (Discount)

Finding Discount Amount

Question: A shirt costs $80. It is on sale for 25% off. How much is the discount?

Solution:

  1. Identify: Find 25% of $80
  2. Convert: 25% = 0.25 or 1/4
  3. Calculate: $80 × 0.25 = $20

Answer: $20 discount

📊 Example 4: Multi-Step Percent Problem (Sale Price)

Finding Sale Price

Question: A shirt costs $80. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

Solution:

  1. Step 1: Find discount: $80 × 0.25 = $20
  2. Step 2: Subtract from original: $80 − $20 = $60

Answer: $60 sale price

📊 Example 5: Multi-Step Percent Problem (Tax)

Finding Total Cost with Tax

Question: A book costs $50. VAT is 15%. What is the total cost?

Solution:

  1. Step 1: Find tax: $50 × 0.15 = $7.50
  2. Step 2: Add to price: $50 + $7.50 = $57.50

Answer: $57.50 total cost

📊 Example 6: Multi-Step Percent Problem (Tip)

Finding Total with Tip

Question: A meal costs $120. You want to leave a 10% tip. What is the total?

Solution:

  1. Step 1: Find tip: $120 × 0.10 = $12
  2. Step 2: Add to bill: $120 + $12 = $132

Answer: $132 total

Quick Tip

10% = Move decimal one place left (easy mental math!)
25% = Divide by 4
50% = Divide by 2 (half)

Quick Quiz

Test your understanding! Select an answer for each question. 📊

6 Questions
12 Minutes
70% to Pass

1. Which is largest: 1/2, 0.4, or 45%?

2. Order from least to greatest: 25%, 0.5, 1/4

3. A $100 item has 20% discount. What is the discount amount?

4. A $100 item has 20% discount. What is the sale price?

5. A $50 meal has 15% tax. What is the total cost?

6. What is 10% of $150?

0/6

Lesson Complete!

Great job finishing Lesson 1.16! You’re mastering percent for the SEA exam! 🎉

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