Overview:
Simple fractions and mixed numbers are often turned into equivalent decimals for ease of operations in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They are easier to use on a calculator or with a computer, they are always in the same terms, so it is easier to compare them. When they are translated into decimals, some fractions are actually whole numbers in disguise.
What Is a Simple Fraction?
A simple fraction is in the form a/b, when a and b are whole numbers and b is not equal to zero. The a represents the numerator and the b represents the denominator. The fractions 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 15/16, and 37/80 are all simple fractions. They have single whole numbers in the numerator and the denominator.
How Are Fractions Turned Into Decimals?
Fractions are turned into decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator, so that 1/2 is 0.5, 3/4 is .075, 7/8 is 0.875, 15/16 is 0.9375, and 37/80 is 0.4625. All the fractions have different denominators, so they would have to be converted to the same terms in order to perform operations with them. As decimals, they are all in the same terms. Negative fractions are changed into negative decimals the same way, so that -9/10 is -0.9 and -3/8 is -0.375.
What About Fractions that Don’t Come Out Even?
The examples shown so far all terminate evenly, so the fractions have exact decimal equivalents. Other fractions have decimal approximations. For example, the fraction 1/3 is a repeating decimal 0.3333…, and 3/11 is a repeating decimal 0.2727…, and the three dots indicate that the decimal is an approximation. Some books indicate the repeating part with a line over the part of the decimal that repeats. There are common numbers, such as the square root of 2, and the number pi(π)that never repeat themselves.
What About Decimals for Mixed Numbers?
A number such as 2⅞ is a mixed number, with a whole number 2 and a fraction ⅞. It can be written in decimal form by changing the fraction to a decimal, so that ⅞ is .875. The mixed number is then represented as 2.875. Negative mixed numbers are changed into negative decimals the same way, so that -10 3/4 is -10.75.
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