0.5 as a fraction - displayed side-by-side

What is .5 as a Fraction?

When it comes to transforming decimals to fractions, certain numbers can be more intriguing than others. This guide will show you exactly how to express .5 as a fraction. This guide will not only show you exactly how to express 0.5 into a fraction but also ensure you grasp the method behind it.

And for a swift and seamless conversion of any decimal into a fraction, our Decimal to Fraction Calculator stands ready to assist.

Quick answer: The decimal 0.5 expressed as a fraction is 1/2

Understanding .5 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 0.5 into a fraction, we find its place value is in the tenths place because is only one digit after the after the decimal point.

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

5 is at the tenths place

Decimal value of 0.5 displayed on Place Value Chart

2. Write the decimal part as a fraction

Given the decimal 0.5, you'd write it over the place value. This means 5 (the numbers to the right of the decimal point) over 10 (denoting its place value).

This gives 5/10 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 5/10.

How do you find the GCD of 5 and 10? 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 5 are 5
- The prime factors of 10 are 2, 5
Identify the common factors of both numbers from the prime factors above:
- The common factor between 5 and 10 is 5
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 5 and 10 is 5.

Now, divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by their GCD (5) to simplify the fraction.