Pre-Algebra Demystified

The numbers that include the fractions and their equivalent terminating or

repeating decimals are calledrational numbers. Remember that all whole

numbers and integers can be written as fractions, so these numbers are

also rational numbers.

Fractions and Decimals

Sometimes a problem contains both fractions and decimals.

To solve a problem with a fraction and a decimal, either change the fraction

to a decimal and then perform the operation or change the decimal to a fraction

and then perform the operation.

EXAMPLE

Add^34 þ0.8.

SOLUTION

3

4

¼ 0 : 75 change

3

4

to 0.75



þ 0 : 8 ¼ 0 : 80

1 : 55

Hence,^34 þ0.8¼1.55.

ALTERNATE SOLUTION

3

4

¼

3

4

¼

15

20

change 0.8 to

8

10



þ 0 : 8 ¼

8

10

¼

16

20

31

20

¼ (^11120)
98 CHAPTER 5 Decimals
1
12
¼ 0 : 083 1
6
¼ 0 : 16 1
3
¼ 0 : 3 5
12
¼ 0 : 416
7
12 ¼^0 :^583
2
3 ¼^0 :^6
5
6 ¼^0 :^83
11
12 ¼^0 :^916
Table 5-1 Common repeating decimals