How to write 5/8 as a decimal?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to convert the fraction 5/8 into its decimal form. This involves performing the division of 5 by 8.
Answer
The decimal form of the fraction \( \frac{5}{8} \) is \( 0.625 \).
Answer for screen readers
The decimal form of the fraction ( \frac{5}{8} ) is ( 0.625 ).
Steps to Solve
-
Set up the division To convert the fraction $ \frac{5}{8} $ into decimal form, we need to divide 5 by 8.
-
Perform the division Since 5 is less than 8, we can add a decimal point and a zero to 5 to make it 50. Now, divide 50 by 8. We find that 8 goes into 50 six times, because $ 8 \times 6 = 48 $.
-
Calculate the remainder Subtract 48 from 50, resulting in a remainder of 2.
-
Continue the division Bring down another 0 to the remainder, making it 20. Now divide 20 by 8. 8 goes into 20 two times since $ 8 \times 2 = 16 $.
-
Calculate the new remainder Subtract 16 from 20, resulting in a new remainder of 4.
-
Repeat the process Bring down another 0 to the remainder, making it 40. Now divide 40 by 8. 8 goes into 40 five times since $ 8 \times 5 = 40 $.
-
Final remainder Subtract 40 from 40, resulting in a remainder of 0. This means the division is complete.
Combining all parts gives the decimal: $ 0.625 $.
The decimal form of the fraction ( \frac{5}{8} ) is ( 0.625 ).
More Information
When converting fractions to decimals, the result can either be terminating, like ( 0.625 ), or repeating, depending on the factors of the denominator. In this case, since 8 only has factors of 2, the decimal terminates.
Tips
- Forgetting to add decimal points and zeros when necessary, which can lead to incorrect results.
- Miscalculating multiplicative steps, such as failing to see how many times the divisor fits into the dividend.
