Chapter 5: Problem 25
Write each fraction or mixed number as a decimal. Use a bar to show a repeating decimal. $$-\frac{5}{11}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The decimal is -0.\overline{45}.
Step by step solution
01
Set Up Division
To convert \(-\frac{5}{11}\) into a decimal, we need to perform division. This means dividing the numerator (-5) by the denominator (11). Begin by setting up the division: 5 divided by 11. Since the fraction is negative, the decimal will be negative as well.
02
Perform Long Division
Start dividing 5 by 11:
1. 11 goes into 5 zero times, so write 0.
2. Add a decimal point to the 0 and extend a 0 to make it 50.
3. 11 goes into 50 four times (11 * 4 = 44), write 4 after the decimal and subtract to get 6.
4. Bring down another 0 to make 60.
5. 11 goes into 60 five times (11 * 5 = 55), write 5 next to the 4 and subtract to get 5.
6. Bring down another 0 to make 50 and repeat.
Notice the repeating pattern.
03
Identify the Repeating Pattern
The division results in 0.454545..., as the remainders cycle between 6 and 5 leading the digits after the decimal to repeat in a pattern of '45'. This indicates that the decimal is repeating.
04
Write the Repeating Decimal
Express the repeating decimal using a bar notation. Since '45' repeats, the decimal representation of \(-\frac{5}{11}\) is written as -0.\overline{45}.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Long Division
Long division is a method used to divide numbers and obtain a decimal result, especially when the division doesn't result in a whole number. In essence, long division helps break down complex division problems into smaller, manageable steps. To convert a fraction like \(-\frac{5}{11}\) into a decimal, follow the steps of long division:
- Divide the numerator (5) by the denominator (11). Start by noting that since 5 is smaller than 11, you initially deal with 0.
- Add a decimal point and extend with zeroes; think of 5 as 5.0000, which allows you to proceed with the division.
- Now, divide 50 by 11, getting parts of the quotient one digit at a time, working from left to right.
Identifying Repeating Decimals
Repeating decimals are decimals that exhibit a repeating pattern. They're especially common when converting fractions with denominators that do not evenly divide into the numerator. For example, when you convert \(-\frac{5}{11}\) into a decimal, you notice that after performing long division steps, a recurring pattern emerges: the digits '45' continually repeat.
- Observe the process of long division: once you start getting a repeated sequence of remainders, the pattern of digits starts to repeat as well.
- This repeating pattern is often signified by placing a bar over the digits that repeat. For \(-\frac{5}{11}\), the decimal form is written as \(-0.\overline{45}\).
Dealing with Negative Numbers in Division
Negative numbers can change the outcome of a calculation, especially when dealing with fractions. When converting fractions like \(-\frac{5}{11}\) into decimal form, it is important to remember the rules about signs in division. Here are some essential points to remember:
- If one number in the division is negative, the decimal result will also be negative. Given \(-5 \div 11\), the outcome \(-0.\overline{45}\) is negative because the numerator was negative.
- If both numbers were negative, the result would have been positive. This correlates with the rule that a negative divided by a negative results in a positive.