0.500 as a fraction
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to convert the decimal 0.500 into a fraction. To solve this, we will recognize that 0.500 is equivalent to 500/1000, which can be simplified further to its lowest terms.
Answer
The fraction representation of $0.500$ is $\frac{1}{2}$.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is $\frac{1}{2}$.
Steps to Solve
- Convert Decimal to Fraction
Start with the decimal number $0.500$. To convert it into a fraction, consider it as $\frac{500}{1000}$, since there are three digits after the decimal point.
- Simplify the Fraction
Now, we need to simplify the fraction $\frac{500}{1000}$. To do this, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 500 and 1000.
- Calculate the GCD
The GCD of 500 and 1000 is 500.
- Divide the Numerator and Denominator by the GCD
Now, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD: $$ \frac{500 \div 500}{1000 \div 500} = \frac{1}{2} $$
- Final Result
Thus, the simplest fraction representation of the decimal $0.500$ is $\frac{1}{2}$.
The final answer is $\frac{1}{2}$.
More Information
The fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ represents half, which is consistent with the decimal representation of 0.500. A decimal representation with trailing zeros, such as 0.500, does not change its value compared to a decimal representation without trailing zeros, such as 0.5.
Tips
Common mistakes include:
- Not recognizing that trailing zeros in a decimal do not change its value.
- Failing to simplify the fraction properly.
To avoid these mistakes, always check if the fraction can be simplified, and remember that trailing zeros do not affect the value of the decimal.
