- 3/8 as a Decimal

Answer

-3/8 in decimals can be written as -0.375. It is a terminating decimal, meaning it ends after a few digits.

Explanation

To convert -3/8 into a decimal, we will use the division method. Here, as 3 is smaller than 8, we will take the help of the decimal method, which will give us -0.375. 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, so we will take the help of decimals. We will add 0 to the dividend, making 3 as 30 and adding 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 makes 30.

Step 4: 30 is not a multiple of 8, so we will look for the nearest number that is 8 × 3 = 24. We will write 3 in the quotient place and subtract 24 from 30 to get 6.

Step 5: Bring down another 0 in the dividend place, making it 60, and then repeat the division process. 8 goes into 60 seven times (8 × 7 = 56). Subtract 56 from 60 to get 4.

Step 6: Bring down another 0, making it 40, and divide by 8. 8 goes into 40 five times (8 × 5 = 40), leaving no remainder. The process ends here, making it a terminating decimal.

The answer for -3/8 as a decimal is -0.375.

• Fraction: A numerical quantity that represents 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.

• Numerator: The top part of a fraction, indicating how many parts of the whole are being considered, which can be a negative number.

• Denominator: The bottom part of a fraction, showing how many parts make up a whole.

• Terminating Decimal: A decimal that ends and does not repeat infinitely.