Question

How do you convert 8/50 to a decimal?

Answer 1

`8/50 = 0.16`

Explanation:

There are 2 ways to tackle this type of question. Which one you use depends on the denominator of the fraction.

The first method

Decimals are based on powers of 10.
A decimal can be written as a fraction with a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, etc,

`0.3 = 3/10 and 0.67 = 67/100 and 3.479 = 3 479/1000`

Find an equivalent fraction for `8/50`

`8/50 xx 2/2 = 16/color(red)(100)" " rarr = 0.16`

The second method

If the denominator cannot be made into a power of 10, divide:

"numerator `div` denominator = decimal"

`50 | ul(8.00)`
`color(white)(....x)0.16`

Consider `2/7`

`7 | ul(2.000000000000)`
`color(white)(...x)0.2857142857142.....`

This is a recurring decimal, but you can find the pattern by dividing.