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How to Convert Decimals Expansions

How to Convert Decimal Expansions – Introduction

In mathematics, the ability to convert decimal expansions into fractions, percentages, and even different number systems like binary or hexadecimal, is essential. These skills are not only useful in practical situations, such as calculating sales discounts or analyzing data, but also form the basis for more complex concepts encountered in high school and beyond.

Understanding Decimal Conversions – Explanation

Converting decimal expansions involves changing a decimal number into other forms, such as fractions, percentages, or different bases (binary, hexadecimal, octal), depending on the requirement.

The process may differ slightly depending on the target form, but generally includes multiplying, dividing, or applying specific rules to achieve the desired conversion.

Conversion Type Step Example Result
Decimal to Fraction Write the decimal over 1 and simplify. $0.75 \to \frac{0.75}{1}$ $\frac{3}{4}$
Multiply to eliminate the decimal point and simplify. Multiply $0.75$ by $100$ to get $\frac{75}{100}$. $\frac{3}{4}$ (after simplifying)
Decimal to Percent Multiply the decimal by 100 and add the percent symbol. $0.75 \times 100$ $75\%$

Converting Decimals to Fractions

Convert $0.5$ to a fraction.

  • Write the decimal over 1: $ \frac{0.5}{1} $
  • Multiply to remove decimal: Multiply by $10$ to get $ \frac{5}{10} $
  • Simplify: Divide both by their greatest common divisor ($5$), resulting in $ \frac{1}{2} $

Converting Repeating Decimals to Fractions

Express $0.333...$ as a fraction.

  • Let $ x = 0.333... $
  • Multiply by $10$ to get $ 10x = 3.333... $
  • Subtract $ x $ from $ 10x $ to find $ 9x = 3 $
  • Divide both sides to find $ x = \frac{1}{3} $

Converting Decimals to Percentages

Express 0.5 as a percentage.

  • Multiply by 100: $ 0.5 \times 100 = 50 $%
  • Attach the percent symbol: 50%

Converting Decimals to Scientific Notation

Convert 0.00057 to scientific notation.

  • Move the decimal: After the first non-zero digit to get 5.7.
  • Count the places: Moved the decimal 4 places to the left.
  • Write in scientific notation: $ 5.7 \times 10^{-4} $

Converting Decimals to Binary, Hexadecimal, and Octal

Convert the decimal number 5 to binary.

  • Divide by 2: 5 ÷ 2 = 2 remainder 1 (LSB).
  • Continue dividing: 2 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 0.
  • Until the quotient is 0: 1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1 (MSB).
  • Read remainders from bottom to top: 101.

How to Convert Decimal Expansions – Summary

Key Learnings from this Text:

  • To convert decimals to fractions, multiply by 10n where n is the number of decimal places and simplify the fraction.
  • Repeating decimals can be converted to fractions by setting up algebraic equations.
  • Multiplying a decimal by 100 converts it to a percentage.
  • Scientific notation of decimals involves moving the decimal point to just after the first non-zero digit and indicating the number of moves as a power of 10.
  • Decimals can be converted to binary, hexadecimal, or octal by dividing by the base and recording remainders.

Explore other content on our website platform for interactive practice problems, videos, and printable worksheets to further enhance your understanding of decimal conversions.

How to Convert Decimal Expansions – Frequently Asked Questions

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