What is 1/50 as a decimal number
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert the fraction ( \frac{1}{50} ) into a decimal, you can divide the numerator (1) by the denominator (50). When you perform this division, you get:
[
1 \div 50 = 0.02
]
Therefore, ( \frac{1}{50} ) expressed as a decimal is ( 0.02 ).
Detailed Explanation
Converting fractions to decimal numbers is a fundamental concept in mathematics, often required in various applications, including finance, science, and everyday problem-solving. A fraction represents a part of a whole, with the numerator indicating how many parts we have and the denominator indicating how many equal parts make up that whole. In the case of ( \frac{1}{50} ), the fraction signifies that we have one part out of a total of fifty equal parts.
To convert a fraction to a decimal, you can use two primary methods: long division or recognizing common fractions. In this instance, long division is the method used. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Setting up the Division: Write 1 (the numerator) as 1.00 to include decimal places for division against 50 (the denominator).
- Dividing: Determine how many times 50 can go into 1. It cannot, so you place a 0 before the decimal point. You then consider 10 (by adding a zero) and find that 50 goes into 10 zero times. Next, consider 100 (by adding another zero), and see how many times 50 can fit into 100. It fits exactly twice.
- Calculation: Multiply ( 50 \times 2 = 100 ). Subtracting 100 from 100 leaves you with 0, indicating the division process ends here. The result from this division yields ( 0.02 ).
- Conclusion: Understanding how to convert fractions like ( \frac{1}{50} ) to decimals enhances numerical literacy and is useful in various real-life contexts, such as calculating percentages, discounts, or statistical data. This conversion illustrates the relationship between parts and wholes, laying the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts.
In summary, ( \frac{1}{50} ) equals ( 0.02 ), highlighting how division serves as a tool for understanding and working with fractional values in decimal form.