what is -1.26 as a fraction

Charlotte

less than a minute read

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27-02-2025

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The decimal -1.26 represents a negative number. To convert it into a fraction, we'll follow these simple steps, focusing on the absolute value (1.26) first, and then adding the negative sign back at the end.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, it's helpful to understand the relationship between decimals and fractions. Decimals are essentially fractions where the denominator is a power of 10 (10, 100, 1000, etc.). For example:

• 0.1 = 1/10
• 0.01 = 1/100
• 0.001 = 1/1000

Converting -1.26 to a Fraction: A Step-by-Step Process

1. Ignore the negative sign: For now, let's focus on converting 1.26 to a fraction. We'll reintroduce the negative sign in the final step.

2. Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1: We can represent 1.26 as 1.26/1.

3. Multiply the numerator and denominator by 100: This eliminates the decimal point. Because there are two digits after the decimal point, we multiply by 10² = 100.

   (1.26/1) * (100/100) = 126/100

4. Simplify the fraction: We now have an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator). To simplify, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 126 and 100. The GCD of 126 and 100 is 2.

   126 ÷ 2 = 63 100 ÷ 2 = 50

   This simplifies our fraction to 63/50.

5. Reintroduce the negative sign: Remember we initially ignored the negative sign? Now, we put it back.

   Therefore, -1.26 as a fraction is -63/50.

Checking Your Work

You can always check your work by performing the division: 63 divided by 50 equals 1.26. Since we started with a negative decimal, the fraction must also be negative.

Conclusion

Converting decimals to fractions involves understanding place value and simplifying the resulting fraction. By following these steps, you can confidently convert any decimal, including negative decimals like -1.26, into its fractional equivalent. In this case, -1.26 is equal to the fraction -63/50.