Using percentages to compare proportions (e.g., 15 out of 60 vs 18 out of 90 - which is a higher percentage?).
Where your child meets this in real life: Comparing test scores from different sized tests, or success rates
SEAGReady breaks compare using percentages into 3 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Master convert proportions to percentages skills
Master compare different group sizes skills
Master choose the best comparison method skills
Three free sample questions from our compare using percentages course. Every question comes with a full explanation, and hints that guide without giving the answer away.
In Class 6A, 15 out of 25 pupils passed a spelling test. In Class 6B, 12 out of 20 pupils passed the same test. Which class had the higher pass rate?
Answer: A. Both classes had the same pass rate (60%)
Convert both to percentages: Class 6A: 15 / 25 = 0.6 = 60% Class 6B: 12 / 20 = 0.6 = 60% Both classes have the same pass rate of 60%.
Stuck? Start here: To compare fairly, convert each result to a percentage first.
Emma scored 14 out of 20 on her maths test. Ben scored 17 out of 25 on his maths test. Who got the higher percentage score?
Answer: A. Emma with 70%
Convert to percentages: Emma: 14 / 20 = 0.7 = 70% Ben: 17 / 25 = 0.68 = 68% 70% > 68%, so Emma got the higher score.
Stuck? Start here: Convert each score to a percentage: score / total x 100
Caitlin's netball team won 6 out of 8 matches. Roisin's hockey team won 9 out of 12 matches. Which team had the better win rate?
Answer: A. Both teams had the same win rate (75%)
Calculate percentages: Netball: 6 / 8 = 0.75 = 75% Hockey: 9 / 12 = 0.75 = 75% Both teams have the same win rate of 75%.
Stuck? Start here: The teams played different numbers of matches, so compare percentages.
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
In Class 7A, 12 out of 20 pupils passed the spelling test. In Class 7B, 18 out of 30 pupils passed the same test.
Which class had the higher pass rate?
12 out of 20 vs 18 out of 30
Step 1 of 5
In Class 7A, 12 out of 20 pupils passed the spelling test. In Class 7B, 18 out of 30 pupils passed the same test.
Which class had the higher pass rate?
Both classes have the same pass rate of 60%.
The key insight: Converting to percentages lets you compare fairly even when the totals are different!
Watch out: 18 > 12 so Class 7B did better. You cannot compare raw numbers when the totals are different. Convert to percentages first.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in compare using percentages, including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with compare using percentages? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.