1.58 as a fraction

Charlotte

2 min read

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28-02-2025

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Converting decimals to fractions might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process. This article will guide you through converting the decimal 1.58 into its fractional equivalent, explaining each step clearly. By the end, you'll understand the method and be able to convert other decimals to fractions confidently.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, let's quickly recap the basics. A decimal represents a part of a whole number, using a decimal point to separate the whole number from the fractional part. A fraction, on the other hand, expresses a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers: the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number).

Converting 1.58 to a Fraction: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here's how to convert 1.58 into a fraction:

Step 1: Write the decimal as a fraction over 1.

This is the first crucial step. We write 1.58 as a fraction by placing it over 1:

1.58/1

Step 2: Eliminate the decimal point by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 100.

Since there are two digits after the decimal point (5 and 8), we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 100 (10 raised to the power of the number of decimal places). This moves the decimal point two places to the right, effectively removing it:

(1.58 x 100) / (1 x 100) = 158/100

Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

Now, we simplify the fraction 158/100 by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both the numerator and the denominator. The GCD of 158 and 100 is 2. We divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2:

158 ÷ 2 = 79 100 ÷ 2 = 50

This gives us the simplified fraction:

79/50

Therefore, 1.58 as a fraction is 79/50.

Checking Your Work

It's always good practice to check your answer. You can easily do this by performing the division:

79 ÷ 50 = 1.58

This confirms that our conversion is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I convert other decimals to fractions?

A: Follow the same steps outlined above. The key is to multiply the numerator and denominator by a power of 10 that eliminates the decimal point. If you have one digit after the decimal point, multiply by 10. Two digits, multiply by 100, and so on. Then simplify the fraction.

Q: What if the decimal has more than two decimal places?

A: If the decimal has three decimal places, you would multiply by 1000. Four decimal places, multiply by 10000, and so on. The number of zeros in the multiplier should match the number of digits after the decimal.

Q: What if the fraction can't be simplified further?

A: Some fractions are already in their simplest form. If you can't find a common divisor greater than 1 for both the numerator and denominator, then the fraction is already simplified.

This comprehensive guide helps you understand how to efficiently convert decimals like 1.58 into fractions. Remember the steps, and you'll be able to tackle similar conversions with ease.