Converting a terminating decimal (one that ends) to a fraction is easy:<\/p>\n
Step 1)\u00a0 Notice how many digits are right of the decimal point.<\/p>\n
Step 2)\u00a0 Write the decimal digits on the top of the fraction. Then, on the bottom, write a 1 followed by the same number of zeros as there are digits to the right of the decimal point.<\/p>\n
Step 3)\u00a0 Reduce if necessary.<\/p>\n
Example:\u00a0 Convert 0.0015 to a fraction.<\/strong><\/p>\n Step 1) There are four digits to the right of the decimal point.<\/p>\n Step 2) Initially, our fraction is 15\/10000. Notice that we need four zeros on the bottom, since there were four digits to the right of the decimal point.<\/p>\n Step 3) We reduce 15\/10000 to 3\/2000. We get this answer from realizing that 5 divides into both the numerator and the denominator: 3 times into the numerator, and 2000 times into the denominator.<\/p>\n To convert a repeating decimal, there are a couple of shortcuts. Specifically, if a single digit is repeating, the equivalent fraction is that digit over 9. If a pattern of two digits repeats, the equivalent fraction is those two digits over 99.<\/p>\n Example: Convert 0.5555….. to a fraction.<\/p>\n Solution: The fraction is 5\/9.<\/p>\n Example: Convert 0.17171717……to a fraction.<\/p>\n Solution: The fraction is 17\/99.<\/p>\n For middle school purposes, the above techniques are probably enough. There is related content in my earlier blog article here<\/a>. For those interested in reading further, please visit again:)<\/p>\n