The decimal number 0.72 can be converted to a fraction by writing it as 72/100.
To simplify this fraction, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 4, since 4 is the greatest common divisor of 72 and 100.
72 ÷ 4 = 18 100 ÷ 4 = 25
So, the simplified fraction is:
18/25
This is the simplest form of the fraction, and it is equivalent to the original decimal number 0.72.
What is a Fraction?
A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers. It consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). The numerator tells us how many equal parts we have, and the denominator tells us how many parts the whole is divided into.
Why Simplify Fractions?
Simplifying fractions is important because it helps us to express the fraction in its most basic form. This makes it easier to work with fractions and to compare them to other fractions. Simplifying fractions also helps us to avoid confusion and to ensure that we are working with the correct values.
How to Simplify Fractions
To simplify a fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder. Once we have found the GCD, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD to simplify the fraction.
Example of Simplifying a Fraction
Let's take the fraction 12/16 as an example. To simplify this fraction, we need to find the GCD of 12 and 16. The GCD of 12 and 16 is 4.
12 ÷ 4 = 3 16 ÷ 4 = 4
So, the simplified fraction is:
3/4
Real-World Applications of Fractions
Fractions have many real-world applications. They are used in cooking, measurement, finance, and many other areas. For example, when cooking, we often use fractions to express the proportions of ingredients in a recipe. When measuring lengths, we use fractions to express the parts of a whole. In finance, we use fractions to express interest rates and investment returns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fractions are an important part of mathematics, and simplifying fractions is a crucial skill to have. By understanding how to simplify fractions, we can express fractions in their most basic form, avoid confusion, and ensure that we are working with the correct values. Fractions have many real-world applications, and being able to simplify them is essential for success in many areas.
What is a fraction?
+A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers.
Why simplify fractions?
+Simplifying fractions helps us to express the fraction in its most basic form, avoid confusion, and ensure that we are working with the correct values.
How to simplify fractions?
+To simplify a fraction, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD.