The decimal number 7.5 can be converted to a fraction by writing it as 7 and 1/2.
Understanding Decimals and Fractions
Decimals and fractions are two different ways of representing numbers. Decimals use a point to separate the whole part from the fractional part, while fractions use a line to separate the numerator from the denominator.
Converting Decimals to Fractions
To convert a decimal to a fraction, you need to divide the decimal part by the place value of the last digit. In this case, the decimal part is 0.5, and the place value of the last digit is 1 (since it's a tenths place).
0.5 ÷ 1 = 1/2
So, 7.5 can be written as 7 and 1/2.
Why Is It Important to Know Fractions?
Fractions are an essential part of mathematics, and knowing how to work with them is crucial for various real-life applications. Here are some reasons why fractions are important:
- Fractions help us understand proportions and ratios.
- Fractions are used in cooking and measuring ingredients.
- Fractions are used in finance and accounting to calculate percentages and interest rates.
- Fractions are used in science and engineering to calculate quantities and proportions.
How to Work with Fractions
Working with fractions involves adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing them. Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
- To add fractions, you need to have the same denominator.
- To subtract fractions, you need to have the same denominator.
- To multiply fractions, you need to multiply the numerators and denominators separately.
- To divide fractions, you need to invert the second fraction and multiply.
For example, let's say you want to add 1/2 and 1/4. Since they have different denominators, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM), which is 4.
1/2 = 2/4 1/4 = 1/4
Now you can add:
2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4
Real-Life Applications of Fractions
Fractions are used in various real-life applications, such as:
- Cooking: Fractions are used to measure ingredients and scale recipes.
- Finance: Fractions are used to calculate interest rates and investment returns.
- Science: Fractions are used to calculate quantities and proportions.
- Engineering: Fractions are used to calculate measurements and proportions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 7.5 can be written as 7 and 1/2. Understanding fractions is essential for various real-life applications, and knowing how to work with them is crucial for success in mathematics and beyond.
If you have any questions or topics related to this blog post, feel free to comment below or share your thoughts!
What is the difference between decimals and fractions?
+Decimals use a point to separate the whole part from the fractional part, while fractions use a line to separate the numerator from the denominator.
How do I convert decimals to fractions?
+To convert a decimal to a fraction, you need to divide the decimal part by the place value of the last digit.
What are some real-life applications of fractions?
+Fractions are used in cooking, finance, science, and engineering to calculate quantities and proportions.