To convert the fraction -7/8 into a decimal number, follow these steps:
- Understand the Fraction: The fraction -7/8 consists of a numerator (-7) and a denominator (8). The negative sign indicates that the value is less than zero.
- Perform the Division: To find the decimal equivalent, divide the numerator by the denominator. In this case, we will calculate -7 ÷ 8.
- Performing the Division: When you divide 7 by 8, you find that 8 goes into 7 zero times, so you will begin with 0. Next, place a decimal point and add a zero, making it 70. Now, divide:
- 8 goes into 70 eight times (because 8 * 8 = 64).
- Subtract 64 from 70 to get a remainder of 6.
- Bring down another zero, making it 60.
- 8 goes into 60 seven times (because 8 * 7 = 56).
- Subtract 56 from 60 to get a remainder of 4.
- Bring down another zero, making it 40.
- 8 goes into 40 five times (because 8 * 5 = 40), which leaves a remainder of 0.
- Compile the Decimal: The result of the division is 0.875. Since we started with a negative numerator, the decimal is -0.875.
Therefore, the decimal representation of -7/8 is -0.875.