The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C) 2/10.
To convert the decimal 0.2 into a fraction, begin by interpreting what 0.2 means. It represents two-tenths, which directly translates to the fraction 2 over 10. This fraction form expresses how many parts of a whole are being considered when the whole is divided into ten equal parts.
Now, although 2/10 can be simplified to 1/5 by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (which is 2), the problem specifically asks for a match from the given answer choices. Since the simplified form, 1/5, is not listed among the options, we return to the unsimplified but equivalent fraction 2/10. This reinforces the importance of understanding both exact equivalence and format matching in multiple-choice questions.
Choosing option C shows not just an ability to convert decimals to fractions but also an awareness of context. This kind of precision is often required in standardized tests where answers must align with specific forms.
This topic links closely with foundational concepts in mathematics, such as place value. In 0.2, the digit 2 is in the tenths place, which guides the denominator of 10 in the corresponding fraction. Recognizing how place value informs fraction structure helps students convert other decimals, like 0.05 (five hundredths), into 5/100.
Developing fluency in switching between decimal and fractional representations supports broader mathematical competence. It is especially useful in real-world applications involving measurements, financial calculations, or data interpretation, where the most convenient format may vary.
Thus, answering this question correctly requires recognizing the decimal, translating it into a fraction based on place value, simplifying when relevant, and finally selecting the most accurate response from the options provided.
