A Dime's Thickness: From Decimal to Fraction
A dime is about 0.05 inches thick. Let's convert this decimal into a fraction in its simplest form.
Understanding Decimals and Fractions
Decimals and fractions both represent parts of a whole. Decimals use a base-10 system with a decimal point to separate whole numbers from fractions. Fractions use a numerator and denominator, where the numerator represents the part and the denominator represents the whole.
Converting the Decimal to a Fraction
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Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1. 0.05 = 0.05/1
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Multiply both numerator and denominator by 100 to remove the decimal point. (0.05 x 100) / (1 x 100) = 5/100
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Simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF of 5 and 100 is 5.
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Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCF. (5 ÷ 5) / (100 ÷ 5) = 1/20
Conclusion
Therefore, 0.05 inches can be written as the fraction 1/20 in its simplest form.
