Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Number and QuantityEasy
A baker is making a large batch of cookies. The recipe calls for 1.75 cups of sugar, but the baker only has a measuring cup that measures in eighths of a cup. How many eighths of a cup of sugar are needed?
- A16/8
- B18/8
- C14/8
- D7/8
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 14/8
To convert a decimal to a fraction with a specific denominator, first express the decimal as a fraction, then find an equivalent fraction with the desired denominator.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is 2 cups (16/8), not 1.75 cups.
- B. This is 2.25 cups (18/8), not 1.75 cups.
- D. This is 0.875 cups, not 1.75 cups.
Decimal to Fraction Conversion
To convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal over a power of 10 and simplify. To express with a specific denominator, find an equivalent fraction.
- Terminating decimals can always be written as fractions.
- The denominator is a power of 10 corresponding to the decimal places.
- Equivalent fractions maintain the same value by multiplying numerator and denominator by the same number.
Memory trick: Decimal's journey to a specific fraction-land.