How do you write $\frac{1}{3}$ as a decimal?
A. $0.1 \overline{6}$
B. $0.0 \overline{6}$
C. $0 . \overline{3}$
D. $0 . \overline{1}$
Answer (1)
Convert the fraction 3 1 to a decimal using long division.
Recognize that 3 1 equals 0.3333... , which is a repeating decimal.
Express the repeating decimal as 0. 3 .
The correct option is 0. 3 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to convert the fraction 3 1 into its decimal representation and choose the correct option from the given choices.
Converting Fraction to Decimal To convert a fraction to a decimal, we perform long division. In this case, we divide 1 by 3.
Performing the Division When we divide 1 by 3, we get 0.3333... , where the 3 repeats infinitely. This can be written as 0. 3 .
Matching the Result Comparing our result with the given options, we see that 0. 3 matches option C.
Final Answer Therefore, the decimal representation of 3 1 is 0. 3 .
Examples
Fractions and their decimal representations are commonly used in everyday situations such as dividing a pizza equally among friends, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or understanding percentages in financial calculations. For instance, if you want to split a bill of 30 e q u a ll y am o n g 3 p eo pl e , e a c h p erso n o w es \frac{1}{3}$ of the total amount. Converting this fraction to a decimal, you find that each person needs to pay 10.00 , s in ce \frac{1}{3}$ of $30 is 0.3333... × 30 = 10 .
