ASVAB Study Guide1. Fraction to Decimal
Converting a ratio to a decimal point
Numerator ÷ Denominator
Divide the top number by the bottom number using long division.
Example
Convert $$\frac{3}{8}$$ to a decimal.
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Step 1: Set up long division $$(3 \div 8)$$.
Step 2: $$3$$ is less than 8, write 0. and add zero -> $$30 \div 8 = 3 \; (\mathrm{remainder} \; 6)$$.
Step 3: Add zero -> $$60 \div 8 = 7 \; (\mathrm{remainder} \; 4)$$.
Step 4: Add zero -> $$40 \div 8 = 5 \; (\mathrm{remainder} \; 0)$$.
Result: 0.375.
Practice problems
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Problem 1
Convert $$\frac{4}{5}$$ to a decimal.
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Answer: 0.8
Step 1: Set up division: $$4 \div 5$$.
Step 2: $$4 \div 5 = 0$$., add zero to make 40.
Step 3: $$40 \div 5 = 8 \; (\mathrm{remainder} \; 0)$$.
=> Decimal value = 0.8.
=> Correct Answer: B (0.8).
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Problem 2
Convert $$\frac{9}{16}$$ to a decimal.
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Answer: 0.5625
Step 1: Set up long division $$(9 \div 16)$$.
Step 2: $$9 \div 16 = 0$$., add zero -> $$90 \div 16 = 5$$ ($$16 \times 5=80$$, remainder 10).
Step 3: Add zero -> $$100 \div 16 = 6$$ ($$16 \times 6=96$$, remainder 4).
Step 4: Add zero -> $$40 \div 16 = 2$$ ($$16 \times 2=32$$, remainder 8).
Step 5: Add zero -> $$80 \div 16 = 5$$ ($$16 \times 5=80$$, remainder 0).
=> Decimal value = 0.5625.
=> Correct Answer: A (0.5625).
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Problem 3
Convert $$\frac{17}{40}$$ to a decimal.
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Answer: 0.425
Step 1: Divide 17 by 40.
Step 2: $$17 \div 40 = 0$$., add zero -> $$170 \div 40 = 4$$ ($$40 \times 4=160$$, remainder 10).
Step 3: Add zero -> $$100 \div 40 = 2$$ ($$40 \times 2=80$$, remainder 20).
Step 4: Add zero -> $$200 \div 40 = 5 \; (\mathrm{remainder} \; 0)$$.
=> Decimal value = 0.425.
=> Correct Answer: B (0.425).