Converting decimal numbers to fractions can be a useful skill in mathematics, especially when dealing with measurements, ratios, or proportions. One common decimal number that we encounter is 1.875. In this article, we will explore how to convert 1.875 to a fraction and simplify it to its lowest terms.
The Importance of Fractions in Real-Life Applications
Fractions are used in various real-life applications, such as cooking, carpentry, and finance. In cooking, recipes often require ingredients to be measured in fractions of a cup or teaspoon. In carpentry, fractions are used to measure lengths and widths of wood. In finance, fractions are used to calculate interest rates and investment returns. Therefore, being able to convert decimal numbers to fractions is an essential skill in these fields.
Converting 1.875 to a Fraction
To convert 1.875 to a fraction, we can use the following steps:
- Write the decimal number as a fraction with a denominator of 1: 1.875/1
- Multiply the numerator and denominator by 1000 to eliminate the decimal point: 1875/1000
- Simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
The GCD of 1875 and 1000 is 125. Therefore, we can simplify the fraction as follows:
1875 ÷ 125 = 15 1000 ÷ 125 = 8
So, the simplified fraction is 15/8.
Simplifying the Fraction Further
We can simplify the fraction further by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD. The GCD of 15 and 8 is 1, which means that the fraction is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, the simplified fraction of 1.875 is 15/8.
Working with Fractions in Different Forms
Fractions can be expressed in different forms, such as mixed numbers, improper fractions, and equivalent ratios. Mixed numbers are a combination of a whole number and a fraction, such as 2 1/4. Improper fractions are fractions where the numerator is greater than the denominator, such as 3/2. Equivalent ratios are fractions that have the same value but different numerators and denominators, such as 1/2 and 2/4.
In the case of 1.875, we can express it as a mixed number or an improper fraction. As a mixed number, 1.875 can be written as 1 7/8. As an improper fraction, 1.875 can be written as 15/8.
Practical Applications of 1.875 as a Fraction
The fraction 15/8 has several practical applications in real-life scenarios. For example, in cooking, 1.875 cups of flour can be measured as 1 7/8 cups. In carpentry, 1.875 inches can be measured as 1 7/8 inches. In finance, 1.875% interest rate can be calculated as 15/8 percent.
In conclusion, converting 1.875 to a fraction and simplifying it to its lowest terms is a useful skill in mathematics and real-life applications. The simplified fraction of 1.875 is 15/8, which can be expressed in different forms, such as mixed numbers, improper fractions, and equivalent ratios.
By understanding how to convert decimal numbers to fractions and simplify them, we can improve our problem-solving skills and apply mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios.
We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of how to convert 1.875 to a fraction and simplify it to its lowest terms. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.
What is the simplified fraction of 1.875?
+The simplified fraction of 1.875 is 15/8.
How do I convert a decimal number to a fraction?
+To convert a decimal number to a fraction, write the decimal number as a fraction with a denominator of 1, then multiply the numerator and denominator by 1000 to eliminate the decimal point. Finally, simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
What are the practical applications of 1.875 as a fraction?
+The fraction 15/8 has several practical applications in real-life scenarios, such as cooking, carpentry, and finance. For example, in cooking, 1.875 cups of flour can be measured as 1 7/8 cups. In carpentry, 1.875 inches can be measured as 1 7/8 inches. In finance, 1.875% interest rate can be calculated as 15/8 percent.