Fundamentals of Math

Fundamentals of Mathematics

How to Convert a Decimal to a Fraction Start by recognizing the place value of the final digit:

0.1 → tenths

•

0.01 → hundredths 0.001 → thousandths

•

•

If you have trouble remembering the place values, try this handy trick. Place a "1" over the decimal and then a "0" over every digit in the number. Your final new number is written will tell you the place value, for example

1 0 0 0

1 0 0

0 . 6 7 8

0 . 9 2

Thousands

Hundredths

The place value of the decimal will be the denominator of your fraction. The actual value decimal itself will be the numerator. If your decimal has a number before the decimal, this will be the whole number counterpart. Once your fraction has been set-up, go ahead and simplify the value if you can.

Example 2.3.2

Convert 0.25 to a fraction. Step 1: Take note of the final place value of the last digit. This becomes the denominator.

0.25 is read as “twenty- five hundredths” ? 100

Step 2: The value behind the decimal is the numerator.

25 100

Step 3: Simplify the fraction if you can.

25 100

25 ÷ 25 100 ÷ 25

1 4

=

=

The decimal 0.25 as a fraction becomes 1 4 .

Convert 3.5 to a fraction. Step 1: Take note of the final place value of the last digit. This becomes the denominator.

3.5 is read as “three and five tenths” ? 10

©2019 Achieve Page 36 of 127