Write 5 39/100 as a decimal number.

Write 5 39/100 as a decimal number.

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

The mixed number 5 39/100 can be converted to a decimal by following a simple process.

Correct Decimal Answer:

5 39/100 = 5.39

Explanation:

A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction. In this case, 5 is the whole number, and 39/100 is the fractional part.

Step 1: Convert the Fraction to Decimal

To convert 39/100 into decimal form, simply divide 39 by 100:

39÷100=0.3939 ÷ 100 = 0.39

Since 100 is a power of ten, moving the decimal point two places to the left gives 0.39.

Step 2: Add the Whole Number

Now, add the whole number 5 to the decimal 0.39:

5+0.39=5.395 + 0.39 = 5.39

Thus, the final decimal representation of 5 39/100 is 5.39.

Why This Works

Decimals represent fractions with denominators as powers of ten (10, 100, 1000, etc.). The fraction 39/100 indicates “thirty-nine hundredths,” which means 39 out of 100 parts. Since our decimal system is based on powers of ten, placing 39 in the hundredths position directly translates to 0.39.

Real-Life Application

Mixed numbers appear frequently in real-world scenarios, such as money, measurements, and percentages. For example, if you have $5.39, it means five dollars and 39 cents—exactly the same as 5 39/100 of a dollar.

Understanding decimal conversion helps in financial calculations, scientific measurements, and everyday problem-solving.