Find the Number Equal to the Fraction 3/20: Basic Value Recognition

Q: Why multiply by 5/5 to get denominator 100?

Because 20 × 5 = 100! We need a denominator of 100 to easily convert to decimal form. Multiplying by $ \frac{5}{5} = 1 $ doesn't change the fraction's value.

Q: How do I remember which way to move the decimal?

Think: dividing makes numbers smaller. When dividing by 100, move decimal left 2 places. When multiplying by 100, move decimal right 2 places.

Q: Can I just divide 3 by 20 instead?

Absolutely! That's actually faster: 3 ÷ 20 = 0.15. The method shown helps you understand why it works by using equivalent fractions.

Q: What if I get 0.150 - is that the same as 0.15?

Yes! 0.150 = 0.15 because trailing zeros after the decimal don't change the value. You can drop them for the simplest form.

Fraction to Decimal with Denominator Conversion

Which number is equal to $\frac{3}{20}$ ?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:04 Let's change the fraction into a decimal.

00:08 First, make the fraction have one hundred on the bottom.

00:12 Multiply both the top and the bottom numbers. This is important!

00:18 Now, when you see one hundred on the bottom, the top is your decimal.

00:26 Remember, dividing by one hundred moves the decimal two spots left.

00:32 And there you have it! That's how you solve the question.

Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Which number is equal to $\frac{3}{20}$ ?

Step-by-step solution

First we will multiply the numerator and denominator by a number that make the denominator 100.

$\frac{3\times5}{20\times5}=\frac{15}{100}$

Let's now rewrite the simple fraction as a decimal fraction:

$15.0$

Since we are dividing by 100, the decimal point will move two places to the left, giving us:

$.150$

Finally we will add 0 before the decimal point to get:

$0.150=0.15$

Final Answer

0.15

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Multiply fraction by equivalent that makes denominator 100
Technique: Multiply 3/20 by 5/5 to get 15/100
Check: Verify 15 ÷ 100 = 0.15 or 3 ÷ 20 = 0.15 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Moving decimal point the wrong direction
Don't move the decimal point right when dividing by 100 = 15.0 instead of 0.15! Division by 100 means the decimal moves left 2 places, making the number smaller. Always move decimal left when dividing by powers of 10.

Practice Quiz

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How much of the whole does the shaded area (blue) represent?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why multiply by 5/5 to get denominator 100?

Because 20 × 5 = 100! We need a denominator of 100 to easily convert to decimal form. Multiplying by $\frac{5}{5} = 1$ doesn't change the fraction's value.

What if the denominator doesn't divide evenly into 100?

You can still convert! Try making the denominator 10, 1000, or just divide directly. For example, $\frac{1}{3}$ becomes 0.333... by dividing 1 ÷ 3.

How do I remember which way to move the decimal?

Think: dividing makes numbers smaller. When dividing by 100, move decimal left 2 places. When multiplying by 100, move decimal right 2 places.

Can I just divide 3 by 20 instead?

Absolutely! That's actually faster: 3 ÷ 20 = 0.15. The method shown helps you understand why it works by using equivalent fractions.

What if I get 0.150 - is that the same as 0.15?

Yes! 0.150 = 0.15 because trailing zeros after the decimal don't change the value. You can drop them for the simplest form.

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