Fractions and decimals

A fraction is a division. 5/8 means 5 ÷ 8, which is 0.625. Do not just write the digits with a dot between them.

To go from a decimal to a fraction, read the place. 0.4 is 4 tenths, or 4/10. Then reduce by dividing top and bottom by the same number: 2/5. If the question says lowest terms, 4/10 is not finished.

To add or subtract, the parts must match. 3/4 is 6/8, so 3/4 − 1/8 = 5/8. On a tape, eighths and sixteenths are the marks between the quarters. To compare a fraction with a decimal, divide the fraction first. 5/8 is 0.625, which is larger than 0.600.