Write 0.04 as a fraction in its simplest form.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
0.04 as a fraction in its simplest form is 1/25.
Explanation:
To convert a decimal like 0.04 into a fraction, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write the decimal as a fraction.
0.04 means four hundredths. This can be written as:
0.04 = 4/100
Step 2: Simplify the fraction.
Now, reduce 4/100 to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
The GCD of 4 and 100 is 4.
So:
4 ÷ 4 = 1
100 ÷ 4 = 25
Therefore:
4/100 = 1/25
Final Answer: 0.04 = 1/25
Further Explanation:
Decimals and fractions are two ways of expressing the same value. Decimals are based on powers of ten, and each place after the decimal point represents a tenth, hundredth, thousandth, and so on. In the decimal 0.04, the digit 4 is in the hundredths place, which tells us it is 4 out of 100, or 4/100.
Once written as a fraction, it is important to check if it can be simplified. A fraction is in simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factor other than 1. Simplifying fractions makes them easier to understand, compare, and use in calculations.
The process of simplification involves finding the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by that number. In this case, dividing both 4 and 100 by 4 gives 1/25, which is the simplest form of the fraction.
Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions and simplifying them helps in many areas of mathematics such as algebra, percentages, and ratios.