You may have guessed in the corresponding chapters that the fractional and percentage calculations are related to each other. One can thus express fractions in percent and vice versa. So you'd rather say you want a third instead of 33.33 percent. On the other hand, hardly anyone would have the idea ofexpressing a majority of 51 per cent as a fraction.

Happy the one who can easily switch between the two types of counting. Of course, the question of 20 percent of 20 percent is rare. But what do you say, perhaps 40 percent? Hopefully not. Use the fraction calculation, where 20% is one-fifth. And with one fifth of 20 percent, you are moving in the right direction.

Be careful with double superlatives and numbers more than 100 percent. Then the counter is slowly larger than the denominator. Such breaks are not for nothing called 'improper' fraction. They are the first steps to airy promises, which are looked at with little reflection, that no one wants to keep them.

What uses it when a store promises 'up to' a 20% discount? This cannot be helped by the calculation of the fractions, if 'up to' a fifth discount would be offered. The new Land Rover is 'up to' 480 kg lighter. Who knows, with what utopian supplementary equipment you can not or will not afford to do anyway.

If you have not managed to overlook it, force yourself to deliberately think about the price that is striked through. Do not let yourself be driven by prices which are only valid until 4 pm. Consider not only what you really can do with the offered part, but also what you afterwards will have to dispose of at home.

Do you know why the TV has a remote control? Because you can switch off the sound during the advertising breaks. Because otherwise you have no chance against the speeches there. At the very latest, you haven in your brain next day, you have to act unconditionally. Believe me, the more stupid the saying is, the harder it is to dispose of.

However, no rule applies without exception, especially you spend a wonderful holiday in the sunny south. You know you are bamboozled, but the ring looks really charming on her hand. You know instinctive never coming such a situation again. For a long time you have looked out for such a present. And never ask in the future what the ring is really worth!

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