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.375 as a fraction

.375 as a fraction

2 min read 16-01-2025
.375 as a fraction

Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. This article will guide you through the process of converting the decimal .375 into its fractional equivalent. We'll break it down step-by-step, making it easy to understand, even if you're not a math whiz.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, let's briefly review what decimals and fractions represent. A decimal is a way of writing a number that includes a decimal point, separating the whole number part from the fractional part. A fraction represents a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers (the numerator and the denominator).

Converting .375 to a Fraction: The Steps

Here's how to convert the decimal .375 into a fraction:

  1. Write the decimal as a fraction over 1: This is our starting point. We write .375 as 375/1000.

  2. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD): The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator (375) and the denominator (1000) without leaving a remainder. You can find the GCD using a few methods, including prime factorization or the Euclidean algorithm. For this example, the GCD of 375 and 1000 is 125.

  3. Simplify the fraction: Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD.

    375 ÷ 125 = 3 1000 ÷ 125 = 8

    This simplifies our fraction to 3/8.

Therefore, .375 as a fraction is 3/8.

Why is this important?

Understanding decimal-to-fraction conversion is crucial in various applications:

  • Cooking and baking: Recipes often use fractional measurements.
  • Construction and engineering: Precise measurements are essential.
  • Everyday calculations: Many situations require working with fractions.

Alternative Methods for Converting Decimals to Fractions

While the above method is straightforward, there are other ways to convert decimals to fractions. One such method involves understanding the place value of each digit in the decimal. In .375, the 3 represents 3/10, the 7 represents 7/100, and the 5 represents 5/1000. Adding these fractions together (300/1000 + 70/1000 + 5/1000 = 375/1000) gives you the same initial fraction we started with, leading to the same simplified fraction of 3/8.

Conclusion

Converting .375 to a fraction is a relatively simple process involving writing the decimal as a fraction, finding the greatest common divisor, and simplifying. Remember, mastering this skill is valuable for various mathematical applications. Understanding this conversion method helps solidify your understanding of the relationship between decimals and fractions, essential for success in various mathematical concepts. Now you can confidently tackle similar conversions!

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