what decimal is 3/8
What decimal is 3/8?
Answer: To convert the fraction \frac{3}{8} to a decimal, you need to perform the division 3 divided by 8. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how you can do this:
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Set up the division: Divide 3 by 8.
- The fraction \frac{3}{8} can be expressed as 3 \div 8.
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Perform the division:
- Since 8 does not fit into 3, you need to add a decimal point and zeroes to 3.
- Find how many times 8 fits into 30 (the number after adding the decimal point). It fits 3 times since 8 * 3 = 24.
- Subtract 24 from 30 to get 6 and bring down the next 0, making it 60.
- 8 goes into 60 a total of 7 times (8 * 7 = 56).
- Subtract 56 from 60 to get 4 and bring down the next 0, making it 40.
- 8 goes into 40 exactly 5 times (8 * 5 = 40).
- There is no remainder left.
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Combine the results:
- The result of the division is 0.375.
Therefore, the decimal equivalent of \frac{3}{8} is \boxed{0.375}. This means that \frac{3}{8} = 0.375 when expressed as a decimal.
By understanding this process, you can convert any fraction to a decimal through division. This method is particularly useful in various areas of mathematics, science, and everyday calculations.