Convert 15.96 to a Simplified Fraction: Decimal Transformation

Q: How do I know what denominator to use for the decimal part?

Count the decimal places! For 15.96, there are 2 decimal places, so use 100 (which is 10²). For 3 decimal places, you'd use 1000 (10³), and so on.

Q: What if I can't find the greatest common divisor easily?

Start with small numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5. For $ \frac{96}{100} $, both numbers are divisible by 4. Keep dividing until no common factors remain!

Q: Can I convert the whole number part too?

No need! The whole number part (15) stays exactly the same. Only convert the decimal part (0.96) into a fraction and simplify it.

Q: What if the decimal doesn't convert to a nice fraction?

Some decimals create complex fractions! That's normal. Focus on simplifying as much as possible using the greatest common divisor method shown in this example.

Mixed Fraction Conversion with Simplification

Convert into a mixed fraction:

$15.96$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:04 Let's write this as a simplified improper fraction.

00:08 To do this, divide each digit after the decimal by its place value.

00:14 Place the right denominator under the fraction.

00:18 Don't forget to add fifteen to the fraction.

00:27 Now, reduce it by dividing both the top and bottom by the same number.

00:44 And that's how we find the solution to this problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Convert into a mixed fraction:

$15.96$

Step-by-step solution

Let's write the decimal fraction as a mixed fraction.

Since there are 2 digits after the decimal point, we'll divide 96 by 100 and add 15, as follows:

$15+\frac{96}{100}$

Now let's divide the simple fraction by the highest number that can divide both the numerator and denominator, in this case the number is 4:

$15+\frac{96:4}{100:4}=15+\frac{24}{25}=15\frac{24}{25}$

Final Answer

$15\frac{24}{25}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Use denominator power of 10 based on decimal places
Technique: Convert 15.96 to $15\frac{96}{100}$ then simplify by dividing by 4
Check: Convert back: $15\frac{24}{25} = 15 + 0.96 = 15.96$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to simplify the fractional part
Don't leave the fraction as $15\frac{96}{100}$ = unsimplified answer! This fraction can be reduced further, making your answer unnecessarily complex. Always find the greatest common divisor and simplify $\frac{96}{100}$ to $\frac{24}{25}$ .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Reduce the following fraction:

$$ 0.30 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know what denominator to use for the decimal part?

Count the decimal places! For 15.96, there are 2 decimal places, so use 100 (which is 10²). For 3 decimal places, you'd use 1000 (10³), and so on.

What if I can't find the greatest common divisor easily?

Start with small numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5. For $\frac{96}{100}$ , both numbers are divisible by 4. Keep dividing until no common factors remain!

Can I convert the whole number part too?

No need! The whole number part (15) stays exactly the same. Only convert the decimal part (0.96) into a fraction and simplify it.

How do I check if my mixed fraction is correct?

Convert back to decimal: multiply the fraction by the whole number's place value. $\frac{24}{25} = 0.96$ , so $15\frac{24}{25} = 15.96$ ✓

What if the decimal doesn't convert to a nice fraction?

Some decimals create complex fractions! That's normal. Focus on simplifying as much as possible using the greatest common divisor method shown in this example.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Decimal Fractions - Basic questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime