Video Transcript
Write negative 0.15 as a fraction
in its simplest form.
We want to convert the given
decimal to a fraction. We should note that converting
between decimals and fractions does not change the positive or negative value of the
number. Since we are given a negative
decimal, the equivalent fraction will also be negative. That means that we may reason
through our answer without regard for the negative sign, as long as we remember to
reinstate the negative sign in our final answer.
To begin, we must identify the
place value where the decimal terminates. A decimal system place value table
can be used to help determine this. We have one in the tenths place and
a five in the hundredths place. Since the decimal terminates in the
hundredths place, we will create a fraction with a denominator of 100. The numerator will be the numerical
digits from the original decimal, 15. Putting that together gives us the
fraction 15 over 100.
Finally, we must determine if the
fraction can be simplified or written as a mixed number. Since 15 over 100 is less than one,
it cannot be written as a mixed number. However, 15 and 100 have a highest
common factor of five. So, we proceed to divide the
numerator and denominator by five, as shown. Hence, the terminating decimal 0.15
can be written as three over 20. Thus, negative 0.15 can be written
as negative three twentieths.
