Fractions as division by power of 10 | Place value and decimals | 5th grade | Khan Academy

TL;DR

Learn how to convert fractions to decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

Transcript

So I have six different fractions written out here, and what I want you to do is pause this video right now and try to rewrite each of these fractions as a decimal. So I'm assuming you've given a go at it, so let's go through each of these. So we know that when we say 34/10, or 34 over 10, that this could be interpreted literally as 34 divided by 1... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗂️ Converting fractions to decimals involves dividing the numerator by the denominator.
• 😥 The placement of the decimal point depends on the number of zeros in the denominator.
• 🎭 Performing a reality check ensures the converted decimal is reasonable.
• 🥇 Using zeros as placeholders can help maintain the correct number of decimal places.
• 🎭 Converting fractions to decimals helps in comparing and performing operations with fractions.
• 🥺 Fractions can be written as decimals with or without a leading zero.
• 🗨️ Dividing a whole number by a multiple of 10 shifts the decimal to the left.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you convert fractions to decimals?

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/4 becomes 0.75.

Q: What is the significance of the decimal point when converting fractions to decimals?

The decimal point indicates the division between the whole number and the fractional part. It helps to place the decimal correctly during the conversion.

Q: How do you divide by 10 and 100 when converting fractions to decimals?

Dividing by 10 moves the decimal one place to the left, while dividing by 100 moves it two places to the left. This ensures the correct placement of the decimal in the converted decimal.

Q: Why is it important to do a reality check when converting fractions to decimals?

Performing a reality check helps confirm if the result is reasonable. For example, if dividing by 10, the decimal should be smaller than the original whole number.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fractions can be rewritten as decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

• Dividing by 10 moves the decimal one space to the left, while dividing by 100 moves it two spaces to the left.

• Always perform a reality check to ensure the converted decimal makes sense.