3.125 As A Fraction In Simplest Form

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Converting decimal numbers to fractions is a fundamental math concept that can be quite useful in various mathematical operations. In this article, we will explore how to convert the decimal number 3.125 to a fraction in its simplest form.

Understanding Decimal Numbers

Decimal numbers are a way to represent fractions using a point (.) as the separator between the whole part and the fractional part. The fractional part can be further divided into tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on. In the case of 3.125, the whole part is 3, and the fractional part is 0.125.

Converting Decimal to Fraction

To convert a decimal number to a fraction, we need to identify the place value of the last digit in the fractional part. In this case, 0.125 has three digits after the decimal point, which means it is in thousandths.

Step-by-Step Conversion

1. Identify the place value of the last digit: 0.125 is in thousandths.
2. Write the decimal number as a fraction with the same denominator as the place value: 0.125 = 125/1000.
3. Simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Simplifying the Fraction

To simplify the fraction 125/1000, we need to find the GCD of 125 and 1000. The GCD is 125, so we can divide both the numerator and denominator by 125:

125 ÷ 125 = 1 1000 ÷ 125 = 8

Therefore, the simplified fraction is:

1/8

However, we need to add the whole part back to the fraction. Since the whole part is 3, we can write it as:

3 + 1/8 = 3 1/8

So, the decimal number 3.125 can be written as a fraction in simplest form as 3 1/8.

Real-World Applications

Converting decimal numbers to fractions has many real-world applications, such as:

• Cooking: Recipes often require fractions of ingredients, and converting decimals to fractions can make it easier to follow the recipe.
• Finance: Financial calculations often involve decimal numbers, and converting them to fractions can make it easier to understand the calculations.
• Engineering: Engineers often work with decimal numbers, and converting them to fractions can make it easier to perform calculations and understand the results.

Common Decimal to Fraction Conversions

Here are some common decimal to fraction conversions:

• 0.5 = 1/2
• 0.25 = 1/4
• 0.75 = 3/4
• 0.125 = 1/8
• 0.0625 = 1/16

Conclusion

Converting decimal numbers to fractions is a useful math concept that can make it easier to perform calculations and understand mathematical operations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can convert the decimal number 3.125 to a fraction in simplest form as 3 1/8.