The decimal number 6.72 can be converted into a fraction in simplest form. To do this, we can express the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 100, since there are two decimal places.
6.72 = 672/100
Now, we can simplify this fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 672 and 100. The GCD of 672 and 100 is 4.
So, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 4:
672 ÷ 4 = 168 100 ÷ 4 = 25
Therefore, the simplest form of the fraction is:
6.72 = 168/25
This fraction is in its simplest form, as the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
What is a Fraction?
A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole. It consists of two numbers: the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number). The numerator represents the number of equal parts, while the denominator represents the total number of parts.
For example, the fraction 1/2 represents one part out of a total of two equal parts.
Types of Fractions
There are different types of fractions, including:
- Proper fractions: These are fractions where the numerator is less than the denominator.
- Improper fractions: These are fractions where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
- Mixed numbers: These are numbers that consist of a whole number part and a fraction part.
Why Simplify Fractions?
Simplifying fractions is an important step in mathematics. It helps to:
- Reduce the size of the numbers involved
- Make calculations easier
- Express the fraction in its most basic form
Simplifying fractions also helps to avoid confusion and errors in mathematical calculations.
Steps to Simplify a Fraction
To simplify a fraction, follow these steps:
- Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator.
- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD.
- Repeat the process until the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
Real-World Applications of Fractions
Fractions have many real-world applications, including:
- Cooking: Fractions are used to measure ingredients and express recipe quantities.
- Music: Fractions are used to express time signatures and rhythm.
- Finance: Fractions are used to express interest rates and investment returns.
- Science: Fractions are used to express quantities and measurements in various scientific fields.
In conclusion, converting a decimal to a fraction and simplifying it is an important mathematical skill. It helps to express numbers in their most basic form and avoid confusion and errors in calculations.
Example Questions
- What is the simplest form of the fraction 12/16?
- What is the decimal equivalent of the fraction 3/4?
- What is the greatest common divisor of 24 and 30?
Answer Key:
- The simplest form of the fraction 12/16 is 3/4.
- The decimal equivalent of the fraction 3/4 is 0.75.
- The greatest common divisor of 24 and 30 is 6.
What is the simplest form of the fraction 6.72?
+The simplest form of the fraction 6.72 is 168/25.
Why simplify fractions?
+Simplifying fractions helps to reduce the size of the numbers involved, make calculations easier, and express the fraction in its most basic form.
What are some real-world applications of fractions?
+Fractions have many real-world applications, including cooking, music, finance, and science.