The process of converting a decimal number like 472 to a fraction involves breaking down the number into its whole and fractional parts. This process can be applied to any non-terminating, non-repeating decimal, allowing for the conversion of numbers such as 472.50 or 472.333333 to their respective fractions.
To begin the conversion process, it is essential to identify the position of the decimal point in relation to the whole number. In the case of 472, the decimal point lies to the right of the whole number, indicating that the number is a decimal of three digits.
Once the position of the decimal point is identified, the next step is to determine the value of each digit following the decimal point. In the case of 472.50, the value of the hundredths place (the first digit after the decimal point) is 5, and the value of the thousandths place (the second digit after the decimal point) is 0.
With this information, we can now create a fraction that represents the original decimal number. In this case, the fraction would be written as 472 + (5/100) + (0/1000), simplifying to 472 + 5/1000.
To further simplify the fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. In this case, the GCD of 472 and 1000 is 1, as they share no common factors other than 1.
Since the GCD is 1, we can conclude that the fraction 472 + 5/1000 is already in its simplest form., the process of converting a decimal number to a fraction can be broken down into three simple steps: determining the position of the decimal point, calculating the value of each digit following the decimal point, and creating a fraction representing the original decimal number. With this method, any decimal number can be converted to its fractional equivalent.