What is 2 3/8?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the value of the mixed number 2 3/8, which can be converted into an improper fraction or a decimal. The approach involves converting the fraction part into an equivalent fraction of the whole number and then simplifying if needed.
Answer
The mixed number \(2 \frac{3}{8}\) is \( \frac{19}{8} \) or \(2.375\).
Answer for screen readers
The mixed number (2 \frac{3}{8}) can be expressed as the improper fraction ( \frac{19}{8} ) or the decimal (2.375).
Steps to Solve
- Convert the Whole Number to an Improper Fraction
To convert the mixed number (2 \frac{3}{8}) into an improper fraction, multiply the whole number (2) by the denominator of the fraction (8) and add the numerator (3).
This can be expressed as:
$$ 2 \times 8 + 3 = 16 + 3 = 19 $$
- Create the Improper Fraction
Now that we have our numerator (19), we can write the improper fraction. The denominator remains the same (8). So, the mixed number (2 \frac{3}{8}) is converted into:
$$ \frac{19}{8} $$
- Convert to Decimal (optional)
If you want to convert the improper fraction ( \frac{19}{8} ) into decimal form, divide 19 by 8:
$$ 19 \div 8 = 2.375 $$
The mixed number (2 \frac{3}{8}) can be expressed as the improper fraction ( \frac{19}{8} ) or the decimal (2.375).
More Information
Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is useful in various mathematical operations, such as addition or subtraction. Decimal representation can also make calculations more intuitive in certain contexts.
Tips
- Miscalculating when multiplying the whole number by the denominator; be careful to perform the arithmetic correctly.
- Forgetting to add the numerator to the product of the whole number and the denominator.
