What is .02 as a Fraction?

Understanding .02 as a Fraction in 3 Simple Steps

1. Determine the Decimal Place Value

The place value of a decimal is determined by the number of digits to the right of the decimal point. In the case of turning 0.02 into a fraction, we find its place value is in the hundredths place because are two digits after the decimal point.

Here is the breakdown of the digits after the decimal point (see image for better understanding):

• 0 is at the tenths place
• 2 is at the hundredths place

2. Write the decimal part as a fraction

Given the decimal 0.02, you'd write it over the place value. This means 02 (the numbers to the right of the decimal point) over 100 (denoting its place value).

This gives 2/100 as the initial fraction.

3. Simplify the fraction

To simplify the fraction, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD), also known as the greatest common factor (GCF), for both the numerator and the denominator.

Let's use the fraction from Step 2, which is 2/100.

How do you find the GCD of 2 and 100? There are several methods to find the GCD of two numbers, including the division method, prime factorization, or using Euclid's algorithm. However, we'll use the prime factorization method as it's often the simplest:

• Factorize both numbers into their prime factor. Tip - use our prime factors calculator for quick results:
  • The prime factors of 2 are 2
  • The prime factors of 100 are 2, 2, 5, 5
• Identify the common factors of both numbers from the prime factors above:
  • The common factor between 2 and 100 is 2
• Calculate the GCD: To find the GCD, multiply the common prime factors together: In this case, there is only one common prime factor. So, it'll become the CGD value.

Hence, the GCD of 2 and 100 is 2.

Now, divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by their GCD (2) to simplify the fraction.

• 2 ÷ 2 = 1
• 100 ÷ 2 = 50

Therefore, the fraction 2/100 simplifies to 1/50.

So, the decimal 0.02 as a fraction is 1/50 when simplified.