Write the fraction as a decimal -12/25
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert the fraction -12/25 into a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.
The numerator is -12, and the denominator is 25.
Performing the division: −12÷25=−0.48-12 \div 25 = -0.48
Thus, the decimal equivalent of -12/25 is -0.48.
Explanation:
A fraction is simply a way to express division. In the case of -12/25, the negative sign indicates that the result will also be negative. When dividing -12 by 25, the process involves dividing the absolute value of 12 by 25, and then applying the negative sign to the result.
To understand the division, you can think of it as dividing 12 by 25 in long division. Here’s how that works:
- Divide 12 by 25. Since 25 does not go into 12, you place a decimal point after 12 and add a zero, making it 120.
- Now divide 120 by 25. 25 goes into 120 four times, giving 100. After subtracting 100 from 120, you are left with a remainder of 20.
- Add another zero, making it 200, and divide by 25 again. 25 goes into 200 eight times, giving exactly 200 with no remainder.
The quotient from the division process is 0.48, and since the numerator was negative, the final result is -0.48.
The decimal form of a fraction is useful because it makes it easier to perform calculations, especially in real-world scenarios where exact fractions are difficult to manage. It also helps in comparing values, as decimals are more familiar to most people in everyday settings.
Thus, the decimal equivalent of -12/25 is -0.48.