Problem 43 - Prealgebra

Question

Convert the given decimal to a mixed fraction. Do not simplify your answer. 781.7

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

781.7 is 781 \( \frac{7}{10} \) as a mixed fraction.

Step 1: Identify the Whole Number Part

The whole number part of the decimal 781.7 is 781. This will be the integer part of the mixed fraction.

Step 2: Identify the Decimal Part

The decimal part of 781.7 is 0.7. This will be converted into a proper fraction.

Step 3: Convert the Decimal to a Fraction

To convert the decimal 0.7 to a fraction, recognize it as \( \frac{7}{10} \) because 0.7 is equivalent to 7 tenths.

Step 4: Combine Whole Number and Fraction Parts

Combine the whole number part (781) and the fraction part (\( \frac{7}{10} \)) to form the mixed fraction: \( 781 \frac{7}{10} \).

Key Concepts

Mixed Numbers

A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. It is used to express values that fall between two whole numbers. Mixed numbers are common in everyday life, such as describing measurements or quantities. For example, in cooking, you might use a mixed number like 2 1/2 cups of flour.

To write a decimal as a mixed number, the whole number part of the decimal becomes the integer of the mixed number, and the decimal part is converted to a fraction. In our exercise, 781.7 becomes the mixed number 781 7/10. Mixed numbers provide an easy visual representation of quantities that include whole and fractional parts, making them useful in various real-world applications.

Converting Decimals

Converting decimals to fractions involves two main steps. First, identify the decimal part that will be converted to a fraction. After identifying this part, express the decimal as a fraction by considering the place value of each digit.

Take the decimal 0.7 as an example. This decimal is read as seven tenths, because the decimal is in the tenths place. Therefore, 0.7 is equivalent to the fraction \( \frac{7}{10} \).

When converting decimals to fractions, always make sure to express the fraction in its simplest form. However, in this exercise, we do not simplify beyond basic fractional representation to match the provided instructions. Understanding the place value and how decimals relate to fractions is key to mastering this conversion.

Fraction Representation

Fractions are a way of representing parts of a whole. They consist of a numerator and a denominator. The numerator tells us how many parts we are considering, while the denominator tells us how many parts make up a whole.

Fraction representation comes in different forms, such as proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. Proper fractions have numerators smaller than their denominators, like \( \frac{3}{4} \). Improper fractions, like \( \frac{9}{4} \), have numerators larger or equal to their denominators. Mixed numbers, like 4 1/2, combine whole numbers with a proper fraction.

In context with decimals, we often translate decimals to fractions to better understand specific parts of quantities. In our exercise, the decimal 0.7 is represented as \( \frac{7}{10} \), showing precisely how many tenths are involved. It's essential for students to grasp different types of fraction representation, as they form a crucial part of mathematics and real-life problem solving.