Final answer:
To convert the length of a rattlesnake from a decimal to a fraction, calculate the fractional part of the decimal, simplify it, and then combine it with the whole number part.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of the rattlesnake is given as 2.875 meters. To convert this decimal into a fraction, we need to realize that 0.875 is the same as 875/1000, which can be simplified. After simplifying, you end up with a fraction of 2 7/8 meters, because 875 divides by 125 to get 7, and 1000 divides by 125 to get 8.
Now let's put this into a step-by-step process:
- Take the decimal portion of the length, which is 0.875.
- Write it as a fraction over 1 as the first step to converting a decimal to a fraction: 0.875/1.
- Since there are three digits after the decimal, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 1000 to remove the decimal point. The result is 875/1000.
- Simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 875 and 1000, which is 125, and then divide both the numerator and the denominator by 125 to get the simplified fraction. The result is 7/8.
- Now, combine the whole number part of the original decimal and the simplified fraction to express the entire length. The result is 2 7/8 meters.