ORN - Equivalent Fractions and Decimals Lesson

Equivalent Fractions and Decimals

In this lesson, we will maintain and polish our skills in working with fractions and decimals, by focusing on converting rational numbers to decimals using long division. This conversion will demonstrate the fact that a rational number either terminates or repeats when changed to decimal form. Once we get the hang of converting fractions to their equivalent decimal form, we will jump into the problem solving involving the four operations with decimals.

Fractions, decimals, and percents are simply different ways of representing the same number. When we think of money, we know that fifty cents is written as $.50. We also know it as ½ dollar. If anyone asked you what percent of a dollar that amount was, could you tell them?

Example One

conversion of 1/4 to decimal number

First, let us convert a fraction to a decimal number. To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. One common phrase for remembering this is "box top" because you put the top number in the division box. Look at the following example to see how to use division to convert a fraction to a decimal.

Example Two

Now, we can use the same strategy to convert 1/3 to a decimal.

image showing conversion of 1 divided by 3 into repeating decimal of .333

$image showing conversion of 1/3 fraction into .3 repeating$

The decimal 0.25 in example 1 is a terminating decimal because the decimals end. In example 2, we can see that the decimal 0.333...repeats its pattern on and on, so it is known as a repeating decimal because the decimal repeats a pattern forever. You can also write a repeating decimal with a bar over the repeating part.

Watch this short video to see more examples for converting fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions.

Click here for a clear version of the video. Links to an external site.

Equivalent Fractions and Decimals Homework

Now that you have spent some time learning about the number properties, you are ready to complete your Integers and Rational Numbers: Equivalent Fractions and Decimals Homework. Download your homework by CLICKING HERE. Links to an external site.

Once you have completed your homework, AND MAKE SURE YOU ATTEMPTED AND WORKED THE PROBLEMS OUT ON YOUR OWN, click here to download your homework key. Links to an external site.

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