How To Convert Fractions Decimals

Download as doc, pdf, or txt
Download as doc, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 2

1.

How to convert Fractions into Decimals (Expressing Fractions as Decimals)


Sometimes we will want to work with decimals instead of fractions. To convert fractions to decimals, simply divide the numerator by the denominator, either using a calculator or by hand using the usual method of long division.

Example 1. Convert 7/4 into a decimal.

Example 2. Convert 8/3 into a decimal.

Example 3. Convert 17/6 into a decimal.

Terminating and Repeating Decimals


You can get a decimal number or a decimal that endlessly repeat one number or a group of numbers. These numbers are called repeating decimals. The part that

repeats is usually written as a single number (or group of numbers) with a line over it. For example,0.3333333... , 0.4166666... , and 0.13131313... are written
as 0. , 0.41 ,0. , Decimals that stop after a certain place are called terminating decimals. Every fraction can be written as either a terminating decimal or a repeating decimal.

Example 4. Do the following fractions convert to terminating or repeating decimals? 4/6, 9/6, 109/99, 5/4.

2.How to convert Decimals into Fractions


Sometimes it is easier to work with fractions than to work with decimals. It is therefore important to learn how to change decimals into fractions. a) How to convert a terminating decimal in fraction : write in the numerator the decimal without the point and in the denominator a 1 followed by the same number of zeros as the decimal places in the original number. Then you have to reduce the fraction if possible.

Example 1. Convert 0.437 into a fraction.


Thus, 0.437 = 437/1, 000 . Note that there were 3 decimal places in the original number, and there are now 3 zeros in the denominator.

Example 2. Convert 2.45 into a fraction.


2.45 = 245/100 = 49/20 .

b) How to convert a repeating decimal number in fraction :

Example 1. Convert

1.2 = into a fraction.

Example 2. Convert

3.42 = into a fraction.

You might also like