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Last updated on March 14th, 2025
It is a simple question on decimal conversion. Firstly, we have to learn fractions and decimals. A fraction represents a part of the whole. It has two parts: numerator (number on the top) here, 3, which represents how many parts out of the whole. The denominator (number below) shows how many parts make the whole, here it is 8. A decimal is a way to represent a number that is not whole, using a (.) or a decimal 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.
3/8 as a decimal can be written as 0.375. It is a terminating decimal, meaning it ends after a few digits.
To convert 3/8 into a decimal, we will use the division method. Since 3 is smaller than 8, we will use the decimal method to find the decimal equivalent. Let's see the step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Identify the numerator and denominator because the numerator (3) will be taken as the dividend and the denominator (8) will be taken as the divisor.
Step 2: As 3 is smaller than 8, it can't be divided. Here, we will use decimals. We will add 0 to the dividend, which makes 3 as 30, and add a decimal point in the quotient place.
Step 3: Now that it is 30, we can divide it by 8. Let's see how many times 8 goes into 30.
Step 4: 8 goes into 30 three times, so 3 is placed in the quotient. 3 × 8 = 24, so we subtract 24 from 30, leaving us with a remainder of 6.
Step 5: Bring down another 0 in the dividend place, making it 60, and repeat the division process. 8 goes into 60 seven times, giving us 56 when multiplied. Subtract 56 from 60 to get a remainder of 4.
Step 6: Bring down another 0, making it 40. 8 goes into 40 five times exactly, giving us 40. Subtract 40 from 40 to get a remainder of 0. The division process ends here, leading to a terminating decimal.
The answer for 3/8 as a decimal is 0.375.