How can I convert the decimal 0.04375 into its simplest fractional form?

To convert the decimal 0.04375 into a fraction in simplest form, follow these steps:

1. Recognize the decimal. The decimal 0.04375 represents a number that is a fraction of 1.
2. Count the number of decimal places. Here, there are 5 decimal places.
3. To eliminate the decimal, we can multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 100000 (which is 10^5 since there are 5 decimal places):

Now, express 0.04375 as a fraction:

0.04375 = 0.04375/1 = (0.04375 × 100000)/(1 × 100000) = 4375/100000

4. Next, we need to simplify the fraction 4375/100000.
5. To simplify, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 4375 and 100000. In this case, the GCD is 125.
6. Now, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD:

(4375 ÷ 125) / (100000 ÷ 125) = 35/800

7. Finally, check if 35/800 can be simplified further:
8. The GCD of 35 and 800 is 5.
9. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 5:

(35 ÷ 5) / (800 ÷ 5) = 7/160

Thus, the simplest form of the decimal 0.04375 as a fraction is 7/160.