.83333 as a fraction

Lyra Rowan

2 min read

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29-09-2024

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Unmasking the Mystery of 0.83333: A Fraction's Journey

Have you ever encountered the decimal 0.83333 and wondered how to represent it as a fraction? This seemingly complex decimal hides a simple truth – it's just a fraction in disguise! Let's embark on a journey to unveil the fraction hidden within 0.83333.

Understanding the Repeating Decimal:

The first clue lies in the repeating pattern of the decimal. The "3" keeps repeating endlessly, a hallmark of a recurring decimal. This tells us that the fraction representing this decimal will have a denominator that is a multiple of 9. Why 9?

• Think about 1/9: This fraction results in the decimal 0.11111..., where the "1" repeats.
• Scaling up to 8/9: Multiplying both numerator and denominator by 8 gives us 8/9, which equates to 0.88888....

Finding the Fraction:

Now, notice the difference between 0.88888... (8/9) and 0.83333... – the difference is in the hundredths place (0.05). This difference corresponds to 5/100, which can be simplified to 1/20.

Putting it all together:

1. We know 0.88888... is equivalent to 8/9.
2. We know 0.05 is equivalent to 1/20.
3. To find the fraction for 0.83333, we subtract 1/20 from 8/9: 8/9 - 1/20 = (160 - 9)/180 = 151/180

Therefore, 0.83333 expressed as a fraction is 151/180.

Beyond the Basics:

The process we used to convert 0.83333 into a fraction can be applied to any recurring decimal. Here's a general approach:

1. Identify the repeating part: In our case, it was "3".
2. Write the repeating decimal as a variable: Let x = 0.83333...
3. Multiply both sides by 10 to shift the decimal: 10x = 8.33333...
4. Subtract the original equation from the multiplied one: 9x = 7.5
5. Solve for x: x = 7.5/9 = 15/18 = 5/6.

Practical Applications:

Converting decimals to fractions is essential in various fields, including:

• Mathematics: Solving equations, simplifying expressions, and performing operations with rational numbers.
• Engineering: Precision calculations in design and construction.
• Finance: Calculating interest rates, percentages, and financial ratios.

The Takeaway:

Understanding the relationship between decimals and fractions is fundamental to grasping mathematical concepts and solving practical problems. While decimals can seem intimidating, they are simply another way to express fractions. With the right tools and knowledge, we can confidently navigate the world of numbers!