Convert Decimals to Fractions

Step 2: Multiply both top and bottom by 100 (because there are 2 digits after the decimal point so that is 10×10=100):

(Do you see how it turns the top number
into a whole number?)

Step 3: Simplify the fraction (this took me two steps):

Answer = 3 4

Note: 75/100 is called a decimal fraction and 3/4 is called a common fraction !

Example: Convert 0.625 to a fraction

Step 1: write down:

0.625 1

Step 2: multiply both top and bottom by 1,000 (3 digits after the decimal point, so 10×10×10=1,000)

625 1000

Step 3: Simplify the fraction (it took me two steps here):

Answer = 5 8

When there is a whole number part, put the whole number aside and bring it back at the end:

Example: Convert 2.35 to a fraction

Put the 2 aside and just work on 0.35

Step 1: write down:

0.35 1

Step 2: multiply both top and bottom by 100 (2 digits after the decimal point so that is 10×10=100):

35 100

Step 3: Simplify the fraction:

Bring back the 2 (to make a mixed fraction):

Answer = 2 7 20

Example: Convert 0.333 to a fraction

Step 1: Write down:

0.333 1

Step 2: Multiply both top and bottom by 1,000 (3 digits after the decimal point so that is 10×10×10=1,000)

333 1000

Step 3: Simplify Fraction:

Can't get any simpler!

Answer = 333 1000

But a Special Note:

If you really meant 0.333. (in other words 3s repeating forever which is called 3 recurring) then we need to follow a special argument. In that case we write down:

0.333. 1

Then multiply both top and bottom by 3:

And 0.999. = 1 (Does it? - see the 9 Recurring discussion for more if you are interested), so:

Answer = 1 3