Convert fractions and decimals

Use decimal place value and division to keep the same exact value.

Read the decimal places

0.6 means six tenths, so 0.6 = 6/10. Divide the numerator and denominator by 2 to get 3/5.

One decimal place uses tenths, two use hundredths, and three use thousandths. Keep that place value in the denominator.

Six tenths and three fifths are the same amount.

Divide the numerator by the denominator

3 ÷ 8 = 0.375

375/1000 = 0.375

3/8 means 3 ÷ 8, which is 0.375. You can also multiply both parts of 3/8 by 125 to get 375/1000.

Some fractions repeat forever as decimals. For example, 1/3 = 0.333… exactly, but 0.33 is only an approximation. Keep a fraction when a repeating value must stay exact.

3 ÷ 8 = 0.375

Turn hundredths into a fraction

Write 0.35 as a fraction. It means thirty-five hundredths.

Use 100 as the denominator, then divide both numbers by a common factor.

Thirty-five hundredths.

Try it

Which fraction equals 0.35?

  1. 35/10
  2. 7/20
Show the answer

7/20

0.35 = 35/100. Divide both numbers by 5: 35 ÷ 5 = 7 and 100 ÷ 5 = 20, so the fraction is 7/20.

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