DECIMALS VS FRACTIONS

REASONS TO USE DECIMALS

• Their sizes are easier to compare. It's easy to see that 5.2 is less than 5.4, while the fraction is harder.
• They are the finest way to judge a number inbetween a whole.
• In the real world decimals are more used in math, while fractions tend to be for things like cooking.
• You use decimals when working with currency and weight.
• You can use decimals to find things less then the whole like the .45 after in 1.45.

DECIMAL PROBLEM

• If Henry started with 15 dollars and bought two sandwiches for 1.75 each
• and gave a friend 2.55 for his lunch, how much would he have left.
• Problems using money use decimals, you don't use fractions .
• Answer: 8.95 left
• Work: 1.75 x 2= 3.50 +2.55=6.05 15- 6.05= 8.95

REASONS TO USE FRACTIONS

• You use fractions to find precise amounts of items example 1/3 of a quart.
• Fractions are more precise then decimals example 1/3 can be shown as 0.333
• Fractions can be used to approximate and exact.
• They show an easy way to identify anything less then a whole.
• Fractions are easier to find then decimals in most cases.

FRACTION PROBLEM

• A recipe requires 1/4 cup of sugar for each serving. How much sugar is
• Necessary for 6 servings.
• Answer. 1 1/2
• Work: 6-4=2 so one whole and 2 fourths or a half.