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14.4 in fraction

14.4 in fraction

2 min read 11-03-2025
14.4 in fraction

14.4 is a decimal number representing a value between 14 and 15. Converting decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. This guide will show you how to easily transform 14.4 into its fractional equivalent. We'll break down the process step-by-step, making it easy to understand even if you're not a math whiz.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we begin, let's quickly review the basics. A decimal number uses a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. A fraction, on the other hand, expresses a part of a whole using a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Converting 14.4 to a Fraction: Step-by-Step

Here's how to convert the decimal 14.4 into a fraction:

Step 1: Write the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1.

This is our starting point:

14.4/1

Step 2: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 for each digit after the decimal point.

In 14.4, there's one digit after the decimal point. Therefore, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10:

(14.4 x 10) / (1 x 10) = 144/10

Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

Now we need to simplify the fraction 144/10 to its lowest terms. To do this, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 144 and 10. The GCD is 2. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2:

144 ÷ 2 = 72 10 ÷ 2 = 5

This gives us our simplified fraction:

72/5

14.4 as a Mixed Number

The fraction 72/5 is an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator). We can also express this as a mixed number, which combines a whole number and a proper fraction:

To do this, divide the numerator (72) by the denominator (5):

72 ÷ 5 = 14 with a remainder of 2

So, 72/5 is equal to 14 2/5

Summary: 14.4 as a Fraction

Therefore, 14.4 can be represented as either:

  • 72/5 (Improper Fraction)
  • 14 2/5 (Mixed Number)

Both forms are correct, and the best choice depends on the context of the problem. For many applications, the mixed number (14 2/5) might be more easily understood. However, for calculations, the improper fraction (72/5) might be easier to work with.

Further Practice

Try converting other decimal numbers to fractions using the same steps. Practice makes perfect! You can also check your answers using an online decimal to fraction converter as a helpful tool. Mastering this skill will greatly enhance your math abilities.

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