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.34375 to fraction

.34375 to fraction

2 min read 10-03-2025
.34375 to fraction

The decimal 0.34375 might seem intimidating at first, but converting it to a fraction is simpler than you think. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process, making it easy to understand and replicate for other decimal-to-fraction conversions.

Understanding the Process

Converting a decimal to a fraction involves expressing the decimal value as a ratio of two integers (a numerator and a denominator). The key is to identify the place value of the last digit in the decimal. In this case, the last digit (5) is in the hundred-thousandths place.

Step-by-Step Conversion: 0.34375

Here's how to convert 0.34375 into a fraction:

  1. Write the decimal as a fraction over 1: This is our starting point. We write 0.34375 as:

    0.34375 / 1
    
  2. Multiply the numerator and denominator by 100000: Since the last digit is in the hundred-thousandths place, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 100,000 (1 followed by five zeros). This removes the decimal point from the numerator.

    (0.34375 * 100000) / (1 * 100000) = 34375 / 100000
    
  3. Simplify the fraction: Now, we need to simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator (34375) and the denominator (100000). The GCD is 3125. We divide both the numerator and denominator by 3125:

    34375 / 3125 = 11
    100000 / 3125 = 32
    
  4. Result: The simplified fraction is 11/32.

Therefore, 0.34375 is equivalent to the fraction 11/32.

Alternative Method: Using Place Values

Another approach is to directly interpret the decimal's place values:

0.34375 can be broken down as:

  • 3/10
  • 4/100
  • 3/1000
  • 7/10000
  • 5/100000

Adding these fractions together and finding a common denominator (100000) will eventually lead you to 34375/100000, which simplifies to 11/32 as shown above. While effective, this method is often more time-consuming than the first approach.

Checking Your Work

You can always check your answer by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 11 divided by 32 equals 0.34375, confirming our conversion is correct.

Conclusion

Converting decimals to fractions can be straightforward with a systematic approach. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently convert 0.34375, or any other decimal, into its fractional equivalent. Remember to always simplify the fraction to its lowest terms for the most accurate representation. This skill is valuable in various mathematical contexts, from basic arithmetic to more advanced calculations.

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