How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?

Study for the SAE Mathematics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?

Explanation:
To convert a decimal to a fraction, placing the decimal number over a power of ten that corresponds to the number of decimal places is the correct method. For instance, if you have the decimal 0.75, there are two decimal places, so you write it as 75 over 100 (which is \(10^2\)). This clearly establishes the relationship between the decimal and its fractional form. When you multiply by 100 or divide by 10, while they can be useful operations in particular contexts, they do not represent the systematic method for conversion from decimal to fraction. Additionally, writing the decimal over 1 doesn’t convey the correct value in terms of fractions, as it ignores the scale represented by the decimal places. The approach of placing the decimal over 10 raised to the power of the number of decimal places provides a clear and consistent way to convert any decimal into a valid fraction.

To convert a decimal to a fraction, placing the decimal number over a power of ten that corresponds to the number of decimal places is the correct method. For instance, if you have the decimal 0.75, there are two decimal places, so you write it as 75 over 100 (which is (10^2)). This clearly establishes the relationship between the decimal and its fractional form.

When you multiply by 100 or divide by 10, while they can be useful operations in particular contexts, they do not represent the systematic method for conversion from decimal to fraction. Additionally, writing the decimal over 1 doesn’t convey the correct value in terms of fractions, as it ignores the scale represented by the decimal places. The approach of placing the decimal over 10 raised to the power of the number of decimal places provides a clear and consistent way to convert any decimal into a valid fraction.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy