Warm Up
In the table, find as many patterns as you can. Use one or more patterns to help you complete the table. Be prepared to explain your reasoning.
fraction | |||||
decimal | 0.5 | 0.25 | 0.125 | a._____ | b._____ |
What is the value for a?
0.0625
What is the value for b?
0.03125
Describe the pattern you used to find the values that completed the table.
Compare your answers:
- Each number is half of the previous number. We can find the next number by multiplying the current number by or by 0.5, or by dividing by 2.
- The non-zero digits of the decimals are powers of 5 ( , , , etc.), and each time there is an additional decimal place.
- 0.5 can be written as , 0.25 as , and 0.125 as . The numerators are powers of 5, and the denominators are powers of 10, so the next two numbers are , which is or 0.0625, and , which is or 0.03125.
- The denominators in the fractions are powers of 2.