To convert a fraction to a percentage, what must you first do?

To convert a fraction to a percentage, the process involves first understanding that a percentage is essentially a fraction expressed out of 100. Therefore, the correct initial step is to multiply the fraction by 100. This action allows you to scale the fraction to a form that represents a portion of 100, which is the foundational concept behind percentages.

For example, if you start with the fraction 1/4 and multiply it by 100, you calculate (1/4) * 100, leading to 25%. This shows how the fraction represents 25 out of every 100 parts.

While dividing the numerator by the denominator is a relevant step in determining the decimal form of a fraction, it does not directly provide the percentage. Reducing the fraction can make it simpler but is not necessary for the conversion itself. Finally, adding a percentage symbol directly without performing the conversion calculation would incorrectly suggest a final answer without context to its value in relation to 100. Therefore, multiplying by 100 is the necessary initial action to accurately convert a fraction to a percentage.