14.4 as a fraction

Charlotte

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27-02-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to convert the decimal 14.4 into a fraction. This easy-to-follow guide provides a step-by-step explanation with examples, helping you master decimal-to-fraction conversions. Understand the process and confidently tackle similar conversions.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we dive into converting 14.4 to a fraction, let's quickly review the basics of decimals and fractions.

A decimal is a number that uses a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. For example, in 14.4, "14" is the whole number part, and ".4" represents four-tenths.

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It's written as a numerator (top number) over a denominator (bottom number). For example, 1/2 represents one-half.

Converting 14.4 to a Fraction: The Steps

Converting 14.4 to a fraction involves these simple steps:

1. Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1:

   14.4/1

2. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 for every digit after the decimal point. Since there's one digit after the decimal (the 4), we multiply by 10:

   (14.4 * 10) / (1 * 10) = 144/10

3. Simplify the fraction. To simplify, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator (144) and the denominator (10). The GCD of 144 and 10 is 2.

   Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD:

   144/2 = 72 10/2 = 5

Therefore, the simplified fraction is 72/5.

Checking Your Work

You can always check your work by converting the fraction back into a decimal. Divide the numerator (72) by the denominator (5):

72 ÷ 5 = 14.4

This confirms that our conversion is correct.

More Examples of Decimal to Fraction Conversions

Let's look at a couple more examples to solidify your understanding:

Example 1: Converting 2.75 to a fraction

1. 2.75/1
2. (2.75 * 100) / (1 * 100) = 275/100
3. Simplify by dividing by 25 (the GCD of 275 and 100): 275/25 = 11; 100/25 = 4. The simplified fraction is 11/4.

Example 2: Converting 0.6 to a fraction

1. 0.6/1
2. (0.6 * 10) / (1 * 10) = 6/10
3. Simplify by dividing by 2 (the GCD of 6 and 10): 6/2 = 3; 10/2 = 5. The simplified fraction is 3/5.

Conclusion

Converting decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily convert any decimal, including 14.4, into its fractional equivalent (72/5). Remember to always simplify your fraction to its lowest terms for the most accurate representation. Practice makes perfect, so try converting other decimals to fractions to build your confidence and proficiency.