Convert Fraction to Decimal: Solving 4/100 Step by Step

Q: Why does 4/100 become 0.04 and not 0.4?

Because 100 has two zeros, you move the decimal point two places to the left. Moving just one place gives you tenths (0.4), but we need hundredths (0.04).

Q: How do I remember which direction to move the decimal?

Think of it as division making numbers smaller. When you divide by 100, the number gets smaller, so the decimal moves left. Multiplying moves it right.

Q: What if the fraction has 10 or 1000 in the denominator?

Same rule! Count the zeros: ÷ 10: Move 1 place left÷ 1000: Move 3 places left The number of zeros = number of places to move.

Q: Can I use long division instead?

Yes, but it's much slower! Since 100 is a power of 10, using the decimal point rule is faster and less error-prone than setting up 4 ÷ 100.

Q: How do I check if 0.04 is really correct?

Multiply your decimal by the original denominator: $ 0.04 \times 100 = 4 $. If you get the original numerator, you're right!

Fraction to Decimal with Powers of 10

Convert $\frac{4}{100}$ into a decimal.

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Convert to decimal fraction

00:03 Based on the number of zeros in the denominator, we'll know how many places to move the decimal point to the left:

00:07 There are two zeros in the denominator, so we'll move the decimal point two places to the left

00:10 Place the numerator in the appropriate position 2 digits after the decimal point

00:14 In the missing digit, place 0

00:18 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Convert $\frac{4}{100}$ into a decimal.

Step-by-step solution

To convert the fraction $\frac{4}{100}$ into a decimal, we follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify that we need to divide 4 by 100. In mathematical terms, this is written as $4 \div 100$ .
Step 2: Perform the division. When dividing 4 by 100, we can move the decimal point in 4 two places to the left because there are two zeros in 100.
Step 3: Moving the decimal point in 4 (which is 4.0) two places to the left, we shift from 4.0 to 0.04.

Therefore, the decimal representation of $\frac{4}{100}$ is $0.04$ .
Upon reviewing the provided choices, we see that option 3, $0.04$ , corresponds exactly to our calculated result.

Final Answer

0.04

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Fractions with 100 in denominator become hundredths place
Technique: Move decimal point left 2 places: 4 becomes 0.04
Check: Multiply back: 0.04 × 100 = 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Placing decimal point in wrong position
Don't just put 4 after the decimal like 0.4 = wrong answer! This ignores that 100 has two zeros, not one. Always count the zeros in the denominator to know how many places to move left.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Write the following fraction as a decimal:

$\frac{5}{100}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does 4/100 become 0.04 and not 0.4?

Because 100 has two zeros, you move the decimal point two places to the left. Moving just one place gives you tenths (0.4), but we need hundredths (0.04).

How do I remember which direction to move the decimal?

Think of it as division making numbers smaller. When you divide by 100, the number gets smaller, so the decimal moves left. Multiplying moves it right.

What if the fraction has 10 or 1000 in the denominator?

Same rule! Count the zeros:

÷ 10: Move 1 place left
÷ 1000: Move 3 places left

The number of zeros = number of places to move.

Can I use long division instead?

Yes, but it's much slower! Since 100 is a power of 10, using the decimal point rule is faster and less error-prone than setting up 4 ÷ 100.

How do I check if 0.04 is really correct?

Multiply your decimal by the original denominator: $0.04 \times 100 = 4$ . If you get the original numerator, you're right!

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