To convert the decimal 7.5 into a fraction, we can follow a straightforward process:
- Separate the whole number and the decimal: In this case, 7.5 can be divided into 7 (the whole number) and 0.5 (the decimal part).
- Convert the decimal part to a fraction: The decimal 0.5 can be expressed as a fraction as follows: 0.5 = 5/10. However, we can simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 5. So, we get: 5 ÷ 5 = 1 and 10 ÷ 5 = 2, resulting in 0.5 = 1/2.
- Add the whole number: Now, we can combine the whole number and the fraction. We write 7 as 7/1 to have a common denominator. The common denominator of 1 and 2 is 2. Therefore, we convert 7/1 to 14/2 (by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2).
- Combine the fractions: Now we can add 14/2 and 1/2: 14/2 + 1/2 = (14 + 1)/2 = 15/2.
Therefore, the decimal 7.5 can be expressed as the fraction 15/2.
In summary, converting decimal 7.5 to a fraction gives:
- 7.5 = 15/2
This means that 7.5 is equivalent to 15/2 as a fraction!