Understanding .125 as a Fraction
Have you ever encountered the decimal .125 and wondered how to represent it as a fraction? It's a common question, and understanding the process can be quite helpful in various mathematical situations. This article will guide you through the steps of converting .125 into its fractional equivalent.
Breaking Down the Decimal
The decimal .125 represents one hundred twenty-five thousandths. In other words, it's equivalent to 125 divided by 1000. This provides us with the initial fraction: 125/1000.
Simplifying the Fraction
The fraction 125/1000 can be simplified by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of 125 and 1000, which is 125. Dividing both the numerator and denominator by 125, we get:
(125 ÷ 125) / (1000 ÷ 125) = 1/8
Final Answer
Therefore, the simplified fraction representing the decimal .125 is 1/8.
Using a Calculator
If you want a quicker way to find the fraction, most calculators have a function for converting decimals to fractions. Look for a button that often has a symbol like "a b/c" or "Frac." Input .125 and then use the conversion function. The calculator will directly display the simplified fraction 1/8.
Conclusion
Converting .125 to a fraction is a simple process that involves understanding the decimal's place value, forming a fraction, and then simplifying it. This process is applicable to converting any decimal to a fraction. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try converting other decimals to fractions using the steps outlined above.