To convert the decimal number 3.45 into a mixed number, follow these steps:
- Identify the whole number: The whole number part of 3.45 is 3.
- Convert the decimal part to a fraction: The decimal part is .45. This can be expressed as 45/100.
- Simplify the fraction: Divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, which in this case is 5. So:
- 45 ÷ 5 = 9
- 100 ÷ 5 = 20
- Thus, .45 can be simplified to 9/20.
- Combine the whole number and the fraction: Now we can write the mixed number as:
- 3 9/20
So, the decimal 3.45 expressed as a mixed number is 3 9/20.