42/100 = 42%
The fraction 42/100, or 42%, can describe everyday amounts such as a test score, a store discount, or the portion of a group that prefers something. For example, if 42 out of 100 students choose pizza for lunch, pizza is the choice of 42% of the students.
To picture 42%, imagine a grid with 100 equal squares and shade 42 of them. It is a little less than half, since half of 100 is 50, so you can quickly estimate it as just under 50%.
A common mistake is thinking 42% means 42 out of 10 rather than 42 out of 100. Another point of confusion is that a 42% discount does not leave you with 42% of the original price; it leaves you paying the remaining 58%.
