0.5 as a fraction

Decimals are part of everyday math. They are everywhere. They come from a base-ten system. It makes them vital for many calculations.

“0.5” is a common decimal. You might know it as “half”. But did you know it can be a fraction?

Unpacking 0.5

Let's think about 0.5. It represents half of something. That's because it is 5 parts out of 10.

We can also see this as a fraction.

Transforming 0.5 into a Fraction

0.5 equals 5/10 as a fraction. Why? Because “0.5” is in the tenths place.

Yet, this isn't the simplest form.

Simplifying the Fraction

Fractions can be simplified. It makes them easier to understand.

How to simplify 5/10? Find a number that divides both.

The answer? 2.

The Final Answer

Divide 5 by 2. You get 2.5. Do the same for 10. You get 5. The simplified fraction is 1/2.