write 1/5 as a decimal
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to convert the fraction 1/5 into its decimal form. This involves performing the division of 1 by 5.
Answer
The decimal form of the fraction $\frac{1}{5}$ is $0.2$.
Answer for screen readers
The decimal form of the fraction $\frac{1}{5}$ is $0.2$.
Steps to Solve
- Set up the division Start by writing the fraction as a division problem. We need to divide 1 by 5:
$$ 1 \div 5 $$
- Perform the division When you divide 1 by 5, it doesn’t go evenly, so we need to add a decimal point and a zero. Convert 1 into 1.0 and then divide.
$$ 1.0 \div 5 $$
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Calculate the first digit 5 goes into 10 (the first two digits of 1.0) two times. Write down 2.
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Subtract and bring down Multiply 2 by 5 which equals 10. Subtract 10 from 10 to get 0.
$$ 10 - 10 = 0 $$
Now, bring down another 0 making it 0.0 and repeat the process.
- Continue the division Since we have 0.0 to divide, we now have 0 divided by 5. It goes 0 times. Write down another 0.
So now we have 0.2.
- Repeat if necessary Since 0.0 divided by 5 will again yield 0, you can keep adding zeros. This implies that the division ends here with the result being stable.
Final result so far is $0.2$.
The decimal form of the fraction $\frac{1}{5}$ is $0.2$.
More Information
Converting fractions to decimals is a common operation in mathematics. The process of dividing can also uncover whether a decimal terminates or repeats. In this case, $0.2$ is a terminating decimal.
Tips
- Not knowing to add a zero after the decimal when the division does not fully resolve.
- Misplacing the decimal point or forgetting to bring it into the calculation.
- Confusing how to handle remainder values.
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