Understanding Fractions and Decimals
Fractions and decimals are essential concepts in mathematics that help us represent parts of a whole or numbers between two whole numbers. Understanding how to work with fractions and decimals is crucial for solving various mathematical problems.

Fractions
- A fraction represents a part of a whole or a ratio of two numbers. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).
- Fractions can be proper (numerator < denominator),="" improper="" (numerator="" /> denominator), or mixed (combination of a whole number and a fraction).
- Operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can be performed on fractions. To add or subtract fractions, the denominators must be the same.

Decimals
- Decimals are another way to represent parts of a whole or numbers between two whole numbers. They are based on powers of 10.
- Decimals can be converted to fractions by placing the decimal number over a power of 10. For example, 0.5 can be written as 5/10 and simplified to 1/2.
- Operations with decimals are similar to operations with whole numbers. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can be performed on decimals.

Rational Numbers
- Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as a fraction where the numerator and denominator are both integers.
- All integers, fractions, and decimals that terminate or repeat are considered rational numbers.
- Rational numbers can be positive, negative, or zero.
In conclusion, understanding fractions, decimals, and rational numbers is crucial for solving mathematical problems effectively. By mastering these concepts, students can enhance their problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency.