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Last updated on March 3rd, 2025
Converting fractions to decimals is a fundamental math skill. A fraction represents a part of a whole and has two components: the numerator and the denominator. The numerator, which is the number on top, indicates how many parts are considered. The denominator, the number below, signifies how many parts make up the whole. A decimal expresses a number that isn't whole, using a decimal point to separate the whole part from the fractional part. Numbers to the left of the decimal point are whole numbers, and those to the right are fractional.
7/12 as a decimal is approximately 0.5833. It is a recurring decimal, meaning it repeats the same digits infinitely.
To convert 7/12 into a decimal, we use division. Since 7 is smaller than 12, we utilize the decimal method to obtain 0.5833. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Identify the numerator (7) and the denominator (12). The numerator becomes the dividend, and the denominator the divisor.
Step 2: Since 7 is smaller than 12, we add a decimal point in the quotient and append a zero to the dividend, making it 70.
Step 3: Divide 70 by 12. It goes 5 times, as 12 × 5 = 60. Write 5 in the quotient and subtract 60 from 70 to get 10.
Step 4: Bring down a zero to make it 100. Divide 100 by 12. It goes 8 times, as 12 × 8 = 96. Write 8 in the quotient and subtract 96 from 100 to get 4.
Step 5: Bring down another zero, making it 40. Divide 40 by 12. It goes 3 times, as 12 × 3 = 36. Write 3 in the quotient and subtract 36 from 40 to get 4. Repeat the process to continue the decimal. This process results in a recurring decimal.