What is 33/40 as a decimal?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
3340=0.825\frac{33}{40} = 0.825
Explanation (300 words):
To convert a fraction like 3340\frac{33}{40} into a decimal, you divide the numerator (33) by the denominator (40). This can be written as: 33÷40=0.82533 \div 40 = 0.825
This process is known as decimal conversion and is a fundamental concept in arithmetic and mathematics. When you divide two numbers, you are essentially figuring out how many times the denominator fits into the numerator. Since 33 is smaller than 40, the result will be less than 1. In this case, 33 divided by 40 gives us 0.825.
You can think of this as splitting 33 parts into 40 equal groups. Each group will contain 0.825 of a part. This is often useful in real-life situations. For example, if someone earned 33 points out of a possible 40 on a test, their score as a decimal is 0.825, which is also equal to 82.5%.
Let’s break the division down:
- Step 1: 40 goes into 33 0 times — so we place 0. as the beginning of the decimal.
- Step 2: Add a decimal and zero to 33 → becomes 330.
- Step 3: 40 goes into 330 8 times (8 × 40 = 320).
- Step 4: Subtract 320 from 330 → remainder is 10.
- Step 5: Bring down another zero → 100.
- Step 6: 40 goes into 100 2 times (2 × 40 = 80).
- Step 7: Remainder is 20 → bring down another zero → 200.
- Step 8: 40 goes into 200 5 times (5 × 40 = 200).
- Step 9: No remainder → division ends.
The final result is 0.825. This is a terminating decimal (it ends after three digits), unlike repeating decimals which continue indefinitely. Understanding how to convert fractions to decimals helps in comparing values, estimating, and solving real-world problems involving percentages and measurements.