Question

How do you change \[-\dfrac{1}{2}\] to a decimal?

Answer 1

Hint: From the given question we have been asked to write the decimal of \[-\dfrac{1}{2}\]. To find the decimal of \[-\dfrac{1}{2}\], We can write this as a decimal by making the denominator $10$. If a fraction is written with a denominator which is a power of 10 it can be written as a decimal. Once the denominator is a power of 10, the number of zeroes indicates how many decimal places there will be. The fractions with a denominator which is power of $10$ can easily be written as decimals. By this we can convert the given number into decimal.

Complete step by step solution:
From the question given we have to find the decimal of
\[\Rightarrow -\dfrac{1}{2}\]
As we know that to write the decimal, we have to make the denominator into the power of $10$.
If a fraction is written with a denominator which is a power of 10 it can be written as a decimal. Once the denominator is a power of 10, the number of zeroes indicates how many decimal places there will be. The fractions with a denominator which is power of $10$ can easily be written as decimals.

Here in this case, we have to multiply both denominator and numerator by
\[\Rightarrow 5\]
By multiplying the denominator \[2\] with the \[5\] we will get the denominator in the power of $10$ i.e.,\[10\]

By multiplying we will get,
$\Rightarrow -\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left( \dfrac{5}{5} \right)$
$\Rightarrow -\left( \dfrac{5}{10} \right)$

$\Rightarrow -0.5$
Therefore, the decimal of \[-\dfrac{1}{2}\] is $\Rightarrow -0.5$.

Note: Students must have good knowledge in the concept of divisions. Students can also convert this number into decimal by doing simple division. But Students by making the denominator as $\left( 10,100,100.. \right)$ by this they can write the decimal forms very easily.