5.5 as a fraction

2 min read 16-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to convert the decimal 5.5 into a fraction. This easy-to-follow guide explains the steps and provides examples to help you master this fundamental math skill. We'll cover simplifying fractions and offer helpful tips for similar conversions. Master fraction conversion today!

Are you wondering how to express the decimal number 5.5 as a fraction? It's easier than you might think! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions is a fundamental skill in mathematics.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we dive into the conversion, let's briefly review what decimals and fractions represent.

Decimals: Decimals use a base-ten system to represent numbers less than one. The number 5.5 means 5 and 5 tenths.
Fractions: Fractions represent parts of a whole. They are expressed as a ratio of two numbers: the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number).

Converting 5.5 to a Fraction: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting 5.5 to a fraction involves these simple steps:

Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1: This is our starting point. We can write 5.5 as 5.5/1.
Remove the decimal point: To eliminate the decimal point, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 (since there's one digit after the decimal). This gives us (5.5 * 10) / (1 * 10) = 55/10.
Simplify the fraction: We can simplify 55/10 by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers. The GCD of 55 and 10 is 5. Dividing both the numerator and denominator by 5, we get: 55/10 = 11/2.

Therefore, 5.5 as a fraction is 11/2.

Understanding the Result: 11/2

The fraction 11/2 represents eleven halves. This is an improper fraction because the numerator is larger than the denominator. We can also express this as a mixed number, which combines a whole number and a proper fraction.

To convert 11/2 to a mixed number, we perform the division: 11 divided by 2 equals 5 with a remainder of 1. This means 11/2 is equal to 5 1/2. This confirms our original decimal value.

Converting Other Decimals to Fractions

The process outlined above can be applied to other decimals. The key is to multiply the numerator and denominator by a power of 10 (10, 100, 1000, etc.) to remove the decimal point. The number of zeros in the power of 10 should match the number of digits after the decimal point.

Example: Convert 2.25 to a fraction.

2.25/1
(2.25 * 100) / (1 * 100) = 225/100
Simplify: 225/100 = 9/4

Practice Makes Perfect

Converting decimals to fractions might seem challenging at first. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with this fundamental math skill. Try converting some decimals on your own and check your answers. Remember to always simplify your final fraction to its lowest terms.

Conclusion

Converting 5.5 to a fraction is straightforward. By following the steps outlined above, you'll easily find the equivalent fraction, 11/2, or its mixed number form, 5 1/2. Remember to practice this conversion method with other decimals to strengthen your understanding. Mastering this skill will benefit you in various mathematical contexts.