-5 4/9 as a Decimal

Answer

-5 4/9 in decimals can be written as -5.4444….. It is a recurring decimal, indicating that the digit 4 will repeat infinitely.

Explanation

To convert -5 4/9 to a decimal, we will first convert the fractional part 4/9 into a decimal equivalent. Let's go through the step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Identify the numerator and denominator of the fractional part. Here, the numerator (4) will be taken as the dividend, and the denominator (9) as the divisor.

Step 2: Since 4 is smaller than 9, we will use decimal division. Add a decimal point and a zero to the dividend, making it 40.

Step 3: Divide 40 by 9. The closest multiple of 9 is 36 (9 × 4), so write 4 in the quotient and subtract 36 from 40, leaving 4.

Step 4: Bring down another 0, making it 40 again, and repeat the division process.

Step 5: The division process continues with the remainder never reaching 0, resulting in a recurring decimal. Therefore, 4/9 as a decimal is 0.4444…, and when combined with the whole number part -5, the decimal representation is -5.4444….

• Mixed Number: A number consisting of an integer and a proper fraction.
   
• Fraction: A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, representing a part of a whole.
   
• Decimal: A number that uses the base ten and includes a decimal point to separate the whole part from the fractional part.
   
• Recurring Decimal: A decimal in which a digit or group of digits repeats infinitely.
   
• Dividend: The number that is being divided in a division operation.