Question

Write each fraction or mixed number as a decimal. \(\frac{3}{5}\)

Short answer

0.6

Step-by-step solution

Understand the problem

The task is to convert the fraction \( \frac{3}{5} \) into its decimal form.

Divide the numerator by the denominator

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator (the top number) by the denominator (the bottom number). For \( \frac{3}{5} \), this means dividing 3 by 5.

Perform the division

Divide 3 by 5. You get \( 0.6 \) because 3 divided by 5 equals 0.6.

Key concepts

Understanding the Numerator

The numerator is the top number of a fraction. In the fraction \(\frac{3}{5}\), 3 is the numerator. It tells us how many parts of the whole we are considering. Think of it like dividing a pizza: if you have a fraction representing 3 out of 5 slices, the numerator tells you that you have 3 pieces to work with. The numerator is crucial because it sets the stage for what we will be dividing.

Grasping the Denominator

The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction. It tells us into how many equal parts the whole is divided. For example, in \(\frac{3}{5}\), 5 is the denominator. This means the whole is divided into 5 equal parts. Just like dividing a pizza into 5 slices, each part represents one fifth of the entire pizza. The denominator provides the scale or context for understanding the fraction.

Performing the Division

Dividing the numerator by the denominator is how we convert fractions into decimals. In simple terms, division here means splitting the numerator into as many equal parts as indicated by the denominator. For \(\frac{3}{5}\), you divide 3 by 5. This is the final step where calculations take place. Dividing 3 by 5, you get the result 0.6. This is because 3 divided into 5 equal parts is 0.6 per part. Using this method, any fraction can be turned into a decimal.