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Last updated on March 11th, 2025
This is a straightforward question on decimal conversion. To begin, we need to understand fractions and decimals. A mixed number like 5 2/3 consists of a whole number (5) and a fraction (2/3). A decimal is a way to represent numbers that are not whole, using a period (.) to separate the whole part from the fractional part. The numbers to the left of the decimal point represent the whole number, and those to the right represent the fractional part.
5 2/3 in decimals can be written as 5.66666… It is a recurring decimal, indicating that the digit 6 repeats infinitely.
To convert 5 2/3 into a decimal, start by converting the fractional part (2/3) into a decimal. We will use the division method for this.
Step 1: Identify the numerator (2) and the denominator (3). The numerator will be the dividend, and the denominator will be the divisor.
Step 2: As 2 is smaller than 3, we will use decimals to proceed with the division. We add a decimal in the quotient and a zero to the dividend, making it 20.
Step 3: Divide 20 by 3. The closest multiple of 3 to 20 is 18 (3 × 6), so we place 6 in the quotient. Subtract 18 from 20 to get a remainder of 2.
Step 4: Bring down another 0 to make 2 into 20, then repeat the division process. This process continues, and the remainder never reaches 0, resulting in a recurring decimal for 2/3, which is 0.6666…
Finally, add this to the whole number 5, giving us 5.6666… as the decimal representation of 5 2/3.