Which decimal best approximates the fraction 157/445?

Which decimal best approximates the fraction 157/445?

• A. 0.25
• B. 0.35
• C. 0.50
• D. 0.75

Answer: (B)

To estimate a fraction as a decimal, you can do a quick division to see where it sits on the number line. For 157 divided by 445, start by using tenths: 0.3 of 445 is 133.5, leaving a remainder of 23.5. Bring down a zero to continue: 2350 goes 5 times (2225) with 125 left. Bring down another zero: 1250 goes 2 times (890) with 360 left. Bring down another zero: 3600 goes 8 times (3560) with 40 left. This gives a decimal starting 0.3528… and it is about 0.353 when you go a bit further. So the value is around 0.353, which is closest to 0.35 among the given options. The other choices are noticeably farther away: 0.25 is too small, while 0.50 and 0.75 are too large.

To estimate a fraction as a decimal, you can do a quick division to see where it sits on the number line. For 157 divided by 445, start by using tenths: 0.3 of 445 is 133.5, leaving a remainder of 23.5. Bring down a zero to continue: 2350 goes 5 times (2225) with 125 left. Bring down another zero: 1250 goes 2 times (890) with 360 left. Bring down another zero: 3600 goes 8 times (3560) with 40 left. This gives a decimal starting 0.3528… and it is about 0.353 when you go a bit further. So the value is around 0.353, which is closest to 0.35 among the given options. The other choices are noticeably farther away: 0.25 is too small, while 0.50 and 0.75 are too large.