Problem 15

Question

For exercises \(13-24\), rewrite the fraction as a decimal number. $$ \frac{8}{5} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
1.6
1Step 1: Understand the problem
Convert the fraction \[\frac{8}{5}\] into a decimal number.
2Step 2: Perform the division
Divide the numerator by the denominator: \[ 8 \div 5 \].
3Step 3: Calculate the decimal
Evaluate \[ 8 \div 5 = 1.6 \].

Key Concepts

divisionfractionsdecimal conversion
division
To convert a fraction to a decimal, you need to use division. The numerator (top number) is divided by the denominator (bottom number).
This can be done using simple division methods.
For example, in the fraction \(\frac{8}{5}\), divide 8 by 5.
The division process works like this:
  • Start by checking how many times 5 (the denominator) fits into 8 (the numerator).
  • It fits once, so write 1.
  • Subtract 5 from 8, leaving a remainder of 3.
  • Add a decimal point and bring down the next digit (0) to make it 30.
  • Now divide 30 by 5, which goes exactly 6 times.
Properly performing each of these steps is key to converting fractions into decimal numbers.
fractions
A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of two parts:
the numerator and the denominator. The numerator is the number above the line, which indicates how many parts we have.
The denominator is the number below the line, which shows the number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
For instance, the fraction \[\frac{8}{5}\] has 8 as the numerator and 5 as the denominator.

Key points to remember about fractions:
  • The numerator can be either greater than or less than the denominator.
  • If the numerator is larger, it means the fraction is more than 1.
  • Understand that the value of a fraction can also be expressed as a decimal through division.
Knowing how fractions work helps in converting them accurately to decimals.
decimal conversion
Decimal conversion involves transitioning from fractions to decimals.
By performing division, you turn a fraction into its decimal form.
Let's take the example \[\frac{8}{5}\] again.

Performing the division \[8 \div 5 = 1.6\] shows the fraction as 1.6 in decimal form.
The result is a number that combines whole parts and fractional parts accurately represented in decimal form.
This conversion is useful and necessary in many math problems and real-world applications, like measurements and financial calculations.

Important steps for an accurate decimal conversion:
  • Divide the numerator by the denominator.
  • Use long division for an exact result if the division does not end.
  • Repeat or terminate the decimal as needed.
Mastering this conversion can simplify many mathematical operations and enhance your understanding of numbers.