1.25 in a fraction

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31-03-2025

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1.25 is a decimal number, but it can easily be expressed as a fraction. This guide will show you how, and will also explore different ways to simplify the resulting fraction. Understanding this conversion is a fundamental skill in mathematics.

Converting 1.25 to a Fraction: Step-by-Step

The key to converting decimals to fractions lies in understanding place value. The number 1.25 has one whole number (1) and a decimal part (.25).

Step 1: Write the decimal part as a fraction.

The decimal .25 means 25 hundredths. We can write this as the fraction 25/100.

Step 2: Add the whole number.

Since we have one whole number (1), we add this to the fraction we just created: 1 + 25/100.

Step 3: Convert the whole number to a fraction.

To combine the whole number and the fraction, we need a common denominator. We can rewrite 1 as 100/100.

Step 4: Combine the fractions.

Now we can add the two fractions: 100/100 + 25/100 = 125/100.

Therefore, 1.25 as a fraction is 125/100.

Simplifying the Fraction

The fraction 125/100 is not in its simplest form. To simplify, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both the numerator (125) and the denominator (100).

The GCD of 125 and 100 is 25. We divide both the numerator and the denominator by 25:

125 ÷ 25 = 5 100 ÷ 25 = 4

This simplifies the fraction to 5/4.

Alternative Methods for Conversion

While the above method is thorough, here's a quicker approach:

1. Ignore the decimal point initially. Write 125 as the numerator.
2. Determine the place value of the last digit. The last digit (5) is in the hundredths place, so 100 becomes the denominator.
3. The fraction becomes 125/100. Then simplify as shown above.

Understanding the Result: Improper Fractions

The simplified fraction 5/4 is an improper fraction because the numerator (5) is larger than the denominator (4). This signifies that the fraction represents a value greater than one. It can also be represented as a mixed number (1 ¼). This is the same as our original decimal, 1.25.

Practical Applications

Knowing how to convert decimals to fractions is crucial in various fields:

• Baking and Cooking: Recipes often require precise measurements, often in fractions.
• Engineering and Construction: Accurate calculations demand fractional understanding.
• Finance: Working with percentages and interest rates frequently involves fractions.

This guide demonstrates that converting 1.25 to a fraction is a straightforward process. Mastering this skill builds a solid foundation for more complex mathematical operations. Remember to always simplify your fraction to its lowest terms for the most accurate representation.