Chapter 5: Problem 27
Write each decimal as a fraction or mixed number in simplest form. $$-0.333 \ldots$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The decimal \(-0.333\ldots\) as a fraction in simplest form is \(-\frac{1}{3}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Repeating Decimal
The decimal given is \(-0.333\ldots\) which is a repeating decimal. The digit '3' repeats indefinitely.
02
Set Up the Equation
Let \( x = -0.333\ldots \). This is our original repeating decimal.
03
Eliminate the Repeating Part
Multiply both sides by 10 to shift the decimal point: \( 10x = -3.333\ldots \).
04
Subtract the Equations
Subtract the original equation from this new equation to eliminate the repeating part: \( 10x - x = -3.333\ldots - (-0.333\ldots) \). This gives \( 9x = -3 \).
05
Solve for x
Divide both sides by 9 to isolate \( x \): \( x = -\frac{3}{9} \).
06
Simplify the Fraction
Simplify \(-\frac{3}{9}\) by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3: \(-\frac{3 \div 3}{9 \div 3} = -\frac{1}{3}\).
07
Verify the Solution
Check that \(-0.333\ldots\) equals \(-\frac{1}{3}\) by converting \(-\frac{1}{3}\) back to a decimal: \(-1 \div 3\) results in \(-0.333\ldots\), confirming our solution.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions is a crucial skill in mathematics, especially when converting decimals to fractions. A fraction becomes simplified when it is reduced to its smallest form, meaning the numerator and the denominator have no common factors other than 1.
To simplify a fraction, you should follow these steps:
To simplify a fraction, you should follow these steps:
- Identify the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator.
- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by this GCD.
- This will give you the fraction in its simplest form.
Repeating Decimals
Repeating decimals occur when one or more digits in a decimal keep repeating indefinitely. Understanding repeating decimals is essential when converting them into fractions.
Here's how you can deal with repeating decimals like \(-0.333\ldots\):
Here's how you can deal with repeating decimals like \(-0.333\ldots\):
- Recognize the repeating pattern, which is often indicated by an overline or ellipsis (e.g., \(-0.3\overline{3}\) or \(-0.333\ldots\)).
- Set the repeating decimal equal to a variable, such as \(x\).
- Multiply by a power of 10 that corresponds to the number of repeating digits. For \(-0.333\ldots\), multiply by 10 to shift the decimal point.
- Set up equations to eliminate the repeating part, making it possible to solve for the variable.
Mathematical Problem-Solving
Mathematical problem-solving involves breaking down a complex task into manageable steps. This approach can be applied to various mathematical concepts, including converting decimals to fractions.
Solving the original problem of turning \(-0.333\ldots\) into a fraction involved engaging several problem-solving steps:
Solving the original problem of turning \(-0.333\ldots\) into a fraction involved engaging several problem-solving steps:
- Identify the nature of the problem, such as recognizing a repeating decimal.
- Formulate a strategy, like setting up an equation with a variable to represent the decimal.
- Solve the problem step-by-step, ensuring to follow through with operations like multiplication and subtraction of equations.
- Verify the results for accuracy, such as turning the fraction back into a decimal to check your work.