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Last updated on March 3rd, 2025
It is a simple question on decimal conversion. Firstly, we have to learn fractions and decimals. A fraction represents a part from the whole. It has two parts: the numerator (number on the top), which represents how many parts out of the whole, and the denominator (number below), which shows how many parts make the whole. A mixed number, like 5 3/8, includes a whole number and a fraction. A decimal is a way to represent a number that is not whole, using a (.) or a decimal point to separate the whole part from the fraction part. The numbers to the left of the decimal point represent the whole, and those to the right represent the fractional part.
5 3/8 as a decimal can be written as 5.375. It is a terminating decimal, meaning it does not repeat but ends after a few digits.
To convert 5 3/8 to a decimal, we will first convert the fraction 3/8 into a decimal. Let's use the division method to do this:
Step 1: Identify the numerator (3) and the denominator (8).
Step 2: Divide 3 by 8 using long division.
Step 3: Since 3 is smaller than 8, we add a decimal point to the quotient and a zero to the dividend, making it 30.
Step 4: Determine how many times 8 goes into 30. It goes 3 times (8 x 3 = 24). Write 3 in the quotient.
Step 5: Subtract 24 from 30, which leaves us with 6. Bring down another 0, making it 60.
Step 6: 8 goes into 60 seven times (8 x 7 = 56). Write 7 in the quotient.
Step 7: Subtract 56 from 60, which leaves us with 4. Bring down another 0, making it 40.
Step 8: 8 goes into 40 five times (8 x 5 = 40), leaving no remainder. Write 5 in the quotient. Now, 3/8 as a decimal is 0.375. To find 5 3/8 as a decimal, simply add the whole number part: 5 + 0.375 = 5.375.