Question 245 of 480
Which of the following decimal representations is equivalent to the fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \)?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
The correct option is **A. 0.375**.
### Step-by-Step Explanation
To determine which decimal representation is equivalent to the fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \), we need to convert the fraction into its decimal form. This can be done through division.
1. **Understanding the Fraction**: The fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \) means we are dividing 3 by 8.
2. **Performing the Division**:
- Set up the division: \( 3 \div 8 \).
- Since 3 is less than 8, we know that the result will be less than 1. We can add a decimal point and a zero to 3, making it 30.
- Now, we divide 30 by 8:
- 8 goes into 30 three times (since \( 8 \times 3 = 24 \)).
- Subtract 24 from 30, which gives us 6.
- Bring down another 0 (making it 60).
- 8 goes into 60 seven times (since \( 8 \times 7 = 56 \)).
- Subtract 56 from 60, which gives us 4.
- Bring down another 0 (making it 40).
- 8 goes into 40 five times (since \( 8 \times 5 = 40 \)).
- Subtract 40 from 40, which gives us 0.
3. **Result of the Division**: The result of the division \( 3 \div 8 \) is \( 0.375 \).
### Verification of the Answer
To verify, we can multiply the decimal back by the denominator:
- \( 0.375 \times 8 = 3 \).
This confirms that \( 0.375 \) is indeed equivalent to \( \frac{3}{8} \).
### Analyzing the Other Options
Now, let's look at the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
- **B. 0.25**:
- This decimal represents \( \frac{1}{4} \) (since \( 0.25 \times 4 = 1 \)).
- To compare, \( \frac{3}{8} \) is greater than \( \frac{1}{4} \) because \( \frac{3}{8} = 0.375 \) and \( 0.25 < 0.375 \).
- **C. 0.5**:
- This decimal represents \( \frac{1}{2} \) (since \( 0.5 \times 2 = 1 \)).
- Clearly, \( \frac{3}{8} < \frac{1}{2} \) because \( 0.375 < 0.5 \).
- **D. 0.625**:
- This decimal represents \( \frac{5}{8} \) (since \( 0.625 \times 8 = 5 \)).
- Again, \( \frac{3}{8} < \frac{5}{8} \) because \( 0.375 < 0.625 \).
### Summary of Key Points
- The fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \) converts to the decimal \( 0.375 \) through division.
- The other options (0.25, 0.5, and 0.625) represent different fractions that are not equivalent to \( \frac{3}{8} \).
- Always verify your decimal conversion by multiplying back with the denominator to check for accuracy.
### Revision Summary
- \( \frac{3}{8} = 0.375 \) through division.
- Other options represent different fractions: \( 0.25 = \frac{1}{4} \), \( 0.5 = \frac{1}{2} \), \( 0.625 = \frac{5}{8} \).
- Always check your work by reversing the operation (multiplying the decimal by the denominator).