1.58 in fraction

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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25-02-2025

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Introduction:

Converting decimals to fractions might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process. This article will guide you through converting the decimal 1.58 into its fractional equivalent. Understanding this process is crucial for various mathematical applications and everyday calculations. We'll break down the steps clearly, making it easy to follow even if you're not a math whiz.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we dive into the conversion, let's quickly review the basics. A decimal represents a part of a whole number, using a decimal point to separate the whole number from the fractional part. A fraction, on the other hand, expresses a part of a whole number as a ratio of two integers (numerator and denominator).

Converting 1.58 to a Fraction: The Method

Here's how to convert 1.58 into a fraction:

Step 1: Write the decimal as a fraction over 1

This is our starting point. We write 1.58 as a fraction with 1 as the denominator:

1.58/1

Step 2: Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 100

Since there are two digits after the decimal point, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 100 to eliminate the decimal. This doesn't change the value of the fraction because we're essentially multiplying by 1 (100/100 = 1).

(1.58 x 100) / (1 x 100) = 158/100

Step 3: Simplify the fraction

Now we simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator (158) and the denominator (100). The GCD of 158 and 100 is 2. We divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2:

158/2 = 79
100/2 = 50

This gives us the simplified fraction:

79/50

Step 4: Convert to a mixed number (Optional)

While 79/50 is a perfectly acceptable answer, we can also express it as a mixed number. To do this, we divide the numerator (79) by the denominator (50):

79 ÷ 50 = 1 with a remainder of 29

This means that 79/50 can be written as:

1 29/50

Therefore, 1.58 can be represented as either 79/50 or 1 29/50.

Why This Method Works

This method works because multiplying a decimal by a power of 10 (10, 100, 1000, etc.) effectively shifts the decimal point to the right. By multiplying by 100 (10²), we remove the decimal point entirely, making it easier to express the number as a fraction. Simplifying the fraction ensures we have the most concise representation.

Practical Applications

Knowing how to convert decimals to fractions is useful in various scenarios:

• Baking and Cooking: Recipes often require precise measurements, and fractions are commonly used.
• Engineering and Construction: Accurate calculations are essential in these fields.
• Finance: Working with percentages and proportions frequently involves fractions.
• General Math: A strong understanding of fractions is a fundamental skill in mathematics.

Conclusion

Converting 1.58 to a fraction is a simple process involving a few steps. By following the method outlined above, you can confidently convert any decimal number into its fractional equivalent. Remember the final answer, 79/50 or 1 29/50, accurately represents the decimal 1.58 in fractional form. Now you have a valuable skill to apply in various mathematical contexts.