Convert decimals to fractions

key notes :

How are fractions and decimal numbers related?

Fractions and decimals both represent parts of a whole. You can use fractions and decimals to represent the same amount. Look at the two examples below.

Five different ways of showing the number three tenths. First is a rectangle split into ten pieces with three of the tenths shaded. Next is the fraction three over ten. Next are the words three tenths. Next is the decimal zero point three. Last is a place value chart with the zero in the ones place, a decimal point, and the three in the tenths place. Then there are five different ways of showing the number forty-seven hundredths. First is a rectangle split into one hundred pieces with forty-seven of the pieces shaded. Next is the fraction forty-seven over one hundred. Next are the words forty-seven hundredths. Next is the decimal zero point four seven. Last is a place value chart with the zero in the ones place, a decimal point, the four in the tenths place, and the seven in the hundredths place.

How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?

You can use a place value chart! Let’s try it with 0.7.

A place value chart with a zero in the ones place, a decimal point, and a seven in the tenths place.

0.7 is the same as 7-tenths. Write 7-tenths as a fraction.

7/10

So, 0.7=7/10!

Let’s try it with 2.16.

A place value chart with a two in the ones place, a decimal point, a one in the tenths place, and a six in the hundredths place.

2.16 is the same as 2 and 16 hundredths. Write 2 and 16 hundredths as a mixed number.

2 16/100

You can simplify 16/100. Divide 16 and 100 by their greatest common factor, which is 4.

16/100=4/25

So, 2.16=2 4/25

Learn with an example

✈️ Write 0.91 as a fraction._________

  • Write the decimal as a fraction with 100 as the denominator.
  • 0.91 =91/100
  • 91/100 is written in simplest form.

✈️ Write 0.7 as a fraction.___

  • Write the decimal as a fraction with 10 as the denominator.
  • 0.7 =7/10
  • 7/10 is written in simplest form.

✈️ Write 0.3 as a fraction.______

  • Write the decimal as a fraction with 10 as the denominator.
  • 0.3 =3/10
  • 3/10 is written in simplest form.

Let’s practice!