.625 as a fraction

2 min read 16-01-2025

Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. This article will guide you through the process of converting the decimal 0.625 into its fractional equivalent. We'll break down the steps clearly, and by the end, you'll be able to confidently handle similar conversions.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, let's quickly review the basics. A decimal is a way of representing a number using a base-ten system, with a decimal point separating the whole number part from the fractional part. A fraction, on the other hand, represents a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers (numerator and denominator).

Converting .625 to a Fraction: Step-by-Step

Here's how to convert the decimal 0.625 into a fraction:

1. Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1:

0.625/1

2. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 1000 to remove the decimal:

(0.625 x 1000) / (1 x 1000) = 625/1000

This step is necessary because there are three digits after the decimal point, so we multiply by 10 to the power of 3 (1000). If there were two digits after the decimal, we'd multiply by 100, and so on.

3. Simplify the fraction:

Now we need to simplify the fraction 625/1000 to its lowest terms. To do this, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 625 and 1000. The GCD of 625 and 1000 is 125.

Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 125:

625 ÷ 125 = 5 1000 ÷ 125 = 8

Therefore, the simplified fraction is 5/8.

.625 as a Fraction: The Final Answer

The decimal 0.625 is equivalent to the fraction 5/8.

Checking Your Work

You can always check your work by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 5 divided by 8 equals 0.625, confirming our conversion is correct.

Other Decimal to Fraction Conversions

The same method can be applied to convert other decimals to fractions. Remember to multiply by the appropriate power of 10 to remove the decimal point and then simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if the decimal has repeating digits? A: Converting repeating decimals to fractions requires a slightly different approach, involving solving an equation. We won't cover that here, but you can find information on this online.

Q: Why is simplifying the fraction important? A: Simplifying a fraction gives you the most concise and accurate representation of the value. It makes the fraction easier to understand and use in further calculations.

Q: Are there any online tools to help with decimal to fraction conversions? A: Yes, many websites and apps offer calculators for converting decimals to fractions. These can be helpful for checking your work or for quicker conversions.

This comprehensive guide has shown you how to convert .625 to a fraction. Remember the steps, and you'll be able to confidently tackle similar decimal-to-fraction conversions in the future. Practice makes perfect!