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Decimals to Fractions
We know that decimals and fractions both are ways of showing parts of a whole. With decimals, the parts are always broken into tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on. The digits to the left of the decimal point represent a whole number. The digits to the right of the number represent the parts of a whole.
When we use decimals, we show all the digits horizontally or in a line.
Suppose there is one whole pan of brownies. It would be the same as the digit 1 to the left of the decimal point. Since there are no parts of a whole brownie, there would be a zero to the right of the decimal point. One whole is the same as 1.0
A second pan of brownies that had been cut into equal parts, but some pieces had been eaten, is like the digits to the right of the decimal point.
If 4 pieces out of 10 had been eaten (and since 10 - 4 = 6), then we would say 0.6 or 6 tenths of the brownie remains. We just count the tenths!
Now, if we want to convert this to a fraction, we just show the parts of the whole.
6 out of 10 pieces of brownie
Everything is not always cut into 10 equal parts like the brownie. What if something was cut into one hundred parts?
Well, then we would move two digits to the right of the decimal point.
So, if we had a really large pan of brownies cut into 100 parts and 18 pieces were eaten (100 - 18 = 82), then 0.82 or eighty-two hundredths are the parts of the whole brownie that remain.
Here's a strategy to help in converting decimals to fractions.
- If the decimal is in the tenths, just write the digits in decimal as the numerator over a denominator of 10.
- If the decimal is in the hundredths, write the digits in decimal as the numerator over a denominator of 100.
- If the decimal is in the thousandths, put the digits in decimal as the numerator over a denominator of 1000.
Remember to reduce the obtained fraction into its lowest form.
Let's take a look at some examples.
Example 1
Write 0.7 as a fraction.
Example 2
Write 0.75 as a fraction.
Example 3
Write 0.126 as a fraction.
Decimals to Fractions
- Decimals and fractions both are ways of showing parts of a whole.
- To convert a decimal to a fraction, follow these steps:
- Write the digits in the decimal as the numerator.
- Write as many zeroes after 1 in the denominator, as there were decimal places (digits to the right of the decimal point) in the decimal number.
- Reduce the fraction to its lowest form.
