1.26 as a fraction

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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28-02-2025

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Converting decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. This article will guide you through the process of transforming the decimal 1.26 into its fractional equivalent. We'll break it down step-by-step, making it easy to understand, even if you haven't worked with fractions in a while. Understanding this process will help you tackle similar decimal-to-fraction conversions with ease.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, let's quickly review the basics. A decimal is a way of representing a number using a base-ten system, with a decimal point separating the whole number part from the fractional part. A fraction, on the other hand, represents a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers (numerator/denominator).

Converting 1.26 to a Fraction: The Method

Here's how to convert 1.26 into a fraction:

Step 1: Write the decimal as a fraction over 1.

This is the first step in converting any decimal to a fraction. We write 1.26 as:

1.26/1

Step 2: Remove the decimal point by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by a power of 10.

Since 1.26 has two digits after the decimal point, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 100 (10 to the power of 2):

(1.26 x 100) / (1 x 100) = 126/100

Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

This is where we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. The GCD of 126 and 100 is 2. We divide both the numerator and denominator by 2 to simplify the fraction:

126 ÷ 2 / 100 ÷ 2 = 63/50

Therefore, 1.26 as a fraction is 63/50.

Checking Your Work

To double-check your answer, you can convert the fraction back into a decimal. Divide the numerator (63) by the denominator (50). You should get 1.26, confirming your conversion was accurate.

Other Examples: Decimal to Fraction Conversion

Let's look at a couple more examples to solidify your understanding:

• 0.75: 0.75/1 -> (0.75 x 100)/ (1 x 100) = 75/100 = 3/4
• 2.5: 2.5/1 -> (2.5 x 10)/(1 x 10) = 25/10 = 5/2

Conclusion: Mastering Decimal to Fraction Conversions

Converting decimals like 1.26 to fractions is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above—writing the decimal as a fraction over 1, multiplying to remove the decimal point, and simplifying—you can confidently convert any decimal to its fractional equivalent. Remember to always check your work by converting the fraction back to a decimal! This skill is valuable in various mathematical contexts and problem-solving scenarios.