Speed Drills: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Set 2
Speed Drills: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Set 2 is a strictly timed set of rapid conversion and calculation questions covering common fraction-decimal-percentage equivalents and quick percentage-of-amount methods. It builds on Set 1 with faster pacing and less familiar numbers, matching the very short FDP sections used in GL Assessment and CEM 11+ papers.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Memorise the common equivalents (1/2 = 0.5 = 50%, 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%, 1/5 = 0.2 = 20%, 1/10 = 0.1 = 10%, 1/8 = 0.125 = 12.5%) so they can be recalled instantly rather than worked out.
- For percentage-of-amount questions, find 10% first by dividing by 10, then build any other percentage from multiples and halves of that 10%.
- For fraction-to-percentage conversions with an unfamiliar denominator, convert the fraction to an equivalent fraction out of 100 first.
- For decimal-to-fraction conversions, write the decimal over the correct power of 10 (tenths, hundredths) then simplify by cancelling common factors.
- Work through the drill at a steady pace and flag, rather than dwell on, any conversion that does not come immediately to mind.
- Double-check any answer that looks like an unusual fraction or a percentage over 100%, since these often signal a slipped decimal point.
Worked example
In a speed drill you must state 15% of 60 within a few seconds, without a written column method. Work it out using the 10%-and-5% shortcut.
- Find 10% of 60 by dividing by 10: 10% of 60 = 6.
- Find 5% of 60 by halving the 10% value: 5% of 60 = 3.
- Combine 10% and 5% to make 15%: 6 + 3 = 9.
- Final answer: 15% of 60 = 9.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Write 3/5 as a decimal.Show answer
Answer: 0.6
Q2Write 0.35 as a percentage.Show answer
Answer: 35%
Q3What is 1/8 as a percentage?Show answer
Answer: 12.5%
Q4Find 20% of 45.Show answer
Answer: 9
Q5Write 7/10 as a decimal and as a percentage.Show answer
Answer: 0.7 and 70%
Q6Find 50% of 86 using halving.Show answer
Answer: 43
Q7Convert 0.05 to a fraction in its simplest form.Show answer
Answer: 1/20
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Using quick mental methods, not a written column method, find 35% of 120, showing the 10% and 5% steps you used.
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A speed drill gives you four quick-fire conversions. Complete each one: (a) Write 9/20 as a percentage. (b) Write 0.32 as a fraction in its simplest form. (c) Find 90% of 200. (d) Write 5/8 as a decimal.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the speed drills: fractions, decimals and percentages set 2 worksheet pack - 17 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 15 of 11+ Maths Workbook 1, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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