Chapter 5: Problem 18
Write each number as a decimal. $$ -\frac{7}{9} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(-0.\overline{7}\)
Step by step solution
01
Convert Fraction to Decimal
To convert the fraction \(-\frac{7}{9}\) into a decimal, we need to perform the division of \(-7\) by \(9\). This means we divide the numerator \(-7\) by the denominator \(9\).
02
Perform Long Division
Set up the long division process with \(-7\) as the dividend and \(9\) as the divisor. Since \(9\) cannot go into \(-7\), we consider \(-7.000...\), adding zeros to find the quotient. Divide \(-70\) by \(9\), which gives \(-7\) with a remainder of \(7\).
03
Repeat the Division
Continue dividing by bringing down another zero, making it \(-70\) again. Dividing \(-70\) by \(9\) again results in \(-7\), repeating the same pattern with a remainder of \(7\) to bring down the next zero. The decimal repeats as \(-0.777...\).
04
State the Result as a Repeating Decimal
Recognize the repeating pattern in the division; the decimal representation of \(-\frac{7}{9}\) is \(-0.\overline{7}\) where \(\overline{7}\) indicates that \(7\) is a repeating decimal.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Long Division
Long division is a technique used to divide two numbers and can find the answer in decimal form when dividing fractions. When dealing with a fraction like \(-\frac{7}{9}\), we need to convert it into decimal by dividing \(-7\) by \(9\). This involves setting up \(-7.000...\) because you can't divide \(9\) into \(-7\) directly without ending up in negatives. Thus, you need to add zeros after the decimal in \(-7\) to continue the division.
Here's a simple step-by-step to follow:
Here's a simple step-by-step to follow:
- Identify the dividend (number to be divided) and divisor (number you're dividing by).
- Set up the dividend beneath the divisor.
- Proceed with division. If you encounter a smaller number like \(-7\) versus \(9\), add decimal points and zeros.
- Keep writing zeros and repeating the division calculation until you see a repeating pattern or reach a zero remainder.
Repeating Decimals
Repeating decimals occur when, during division, a specific sequence of digits starts repeating indefinitely. An example is what happens with \(-\frac{7}{9}\). You'll notice that as you divide, the digit sequence \(7\) consistently appears. This is why, after performing the long division, the result looks like \(-0.777...\).
Let's clarify repeating decimals:
Let's clarify repeating decimals:
- Any decimal that does not end (terminate) but shows a pattern or a series of repeating numbers is a repeating decimal.
- Such decimals are noted with a bar over the repeating part, called a vinculum, \(-0.\overline{7}\) in this case.
- Repeating decimals can often represent rational numbers and are a result of dividing integers.
Negative Decimals
Dealing with negative decimals involves understanding how the minus sign in a fraction translates. When we convert a negative fraction such as \(-\frac{7}{9}\) to a decimal, the result is negative as well, which stands as \(-0.\overline{7}\).
Here's how to think about it:
Here's how to think about it:
- Negative decimals occur when the division involves a negative number, which can be in the numerator or divisor.
- Maintain the negative sign throughout the division process to ensure accuracy in your final result.
- Negative decimals behave similarly to positive ones; however, they are located on the left side of the number line (less than zero).