Which of the following is the decimal equivalent of 9/20?
A.
0.45
B.
3.4
C.
3.57
D.
0.18
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. 0.45.
Explanation:
To convert the fraction 9/20 into its decimal equivalent, you divide the numerator (9) by the denominator (20). This is a straightforward division problem:9÷20=0.459 \div 20 = 0.459÷20=0.45
Steps to Solve:
- Understand the fraction: The fraction 9/20 means 9 divided by 20. The numerator (9) is the part being divided, and the denominator (20) is the number by which 9 is divided.
- Perform the division:
- Start by setting up the division as 9.000 (adding decimal places to help with the division).
- Divide 9 by 20. Since 9 is less than 20, the result is less than 1.
- 20 goes into 90 (from 9.0) four times (4 x 20 = 80). Subtracting 80 from 90 leaves a remainder of 10.
- Bring down another 0 (making it 100). 20 goes into 100 five times (5 x 20 = 100) exactly. Subtracting 100 from 100 leaves a remainder of 0, ending the division.
- Result: The division yields 0.45, which is the decimal equivalent of 9/20.
Understanding the Options:
- Option A (0.45): This is the correct decimal equivalent of 9/20, as calculated.
- Option B (3.4): This value is incorrect because dividing 9 by 20 yields a result less than 1, not more than 3.
- Option C (3.57): Like Option B, this is much larger than the correct value and doesn’t represent the result of 9 divided by 20.
- Option D (0.18): This value is incorrect and comes from a misunderstanding of the division process.
Real-World Application:
Understanding how to convert fractions to decimals is essential in many fields, including nursing, where medication dosages often require precise calculations. For example, if a nurse needs to administer a dose based on a fraction of a medication, being able to convert that fraction to a decimal can ensure accuracy and patient safety.
In summary, the correct answer is 0.45, and the process of converting a fraction to a decimal involves simple division, which is an essential skill in both academic and real-world contexts.