Understanding 7.2 As A Fraction

Introduction

When it comes to mathematics, fractions can be a tricky concept to grasp. However, understanding fractions is an essential part of many mathematical operations. In this article, we will explore the fraction 7.2 and how it can be expressed in different forms.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction is a way of representing a part of a whole. It is expressed as a ratio of two numbers, where the top number (numerator) represents the part of the whole, and the bottom number (denominator) represents the total number of parts in the whole.

Expressing 7.2 as a Fraction:

To express 7.2 as a fraction, we need to convert it into a ratio of two integers. We can do this by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number until we get a whole number in the numerator.

Converting 7.2 to a Fraction

Let’s convert 7.2 into a fraction: 7.2 = 72/10 We can simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 2. 72/10 = 36/5 Therefore, 7.2 as a fraction is 36/5.

Different Forms of 7.2 as a Fraction

There are different ways to express a fraction. In this section, we will explore the different forms of 7.2 as a fraction.

Improper Fraction

When the numerator of a fraction is greater than the denominator, it is called an improper fraction. We can convert the fraction 36/5 to an improper fraction by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 36/5 = 7 1/5 Therefore, 7.2 as an improper fraction is 7 1/5.

Mixed Number

A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. We can convert the improper fraction 7 1/5 back to a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator and adding the whole number. 7 1/5 = (7 x 5 + 1)/5 = 36/5 Therefore, 7.2 as a mixed number is 7 1/5.

Applications of 7.2 as a Fraction

Now that we know different forms of 7.2 as a fraction, let’s explore some applications of this fraction.

Conversion of Decimal to Fraction

7.2 is a decimal number, and it can be challenging to work with decimals in some mathematical operations. By converting 7.2 to a fraction, we can easily perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Measurement

7.2 can be used to represent different measurements. For example, if we have 7.2 meters of fabric, we can divide it equally into 36 pieces of fabric, each measuring 5 centimeters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 7.2 as a fraction is 36/5. We can express it in different forms like an improper fraction and a mixed number. Understanding fractions is essential in mathematics, and converting decimals to fractions can be useful in different mathematical operations.