Con-fu-sing!

i know 5/8 = .625, but how do u prove it? look-

5/8=5%8

how many 5s in 8? 1. but it doesn't fit!!!

YES maths is often confusing.  That is why it is so rewarding when you finally figure things out :))

\(5/8\;means\;5\div8\;\;\;NOT\;\;\;8\div5\)

Set it up like any other division

     0.  6  2 5

8 | 5.⁵0²0⁴0

8 goes into 5 zero times with 5 left over.  Line up the points and carry the 5

8 goes into 50      6 times with 2 left over

8 goes into 20      2 times with 4 left over

8 goes into 40      5 times with 0 left over

so        5 divided by 8 is   0.625                           (There should be a line under the 0.625)

i know 5/8 = .625, but how do u prove it? look-

5/8=5%8

how many 5s in 8? 1. but it doesn't fit!!!

This is HOW you prove it!,

.625 X 1000/1000=625/1000, Divide both sides by 125 and you get? Viola!!!!

=5/8

im talking about long division proof

i think i understand, but 5/8 is 5 divided by 8, not 8 divided by 5

i think i understand, but 5/8 is 5 divided by 8, not 8 divided by 5

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Yes this is true and it is another very common source of confusion.

5 divided by 8 means how many times does 8 go into 5.

When you set it up as a long or short division like I did, the order has to be swapped around.

Maybe think of some other examples and it might help.

14 marbles divide between 2 children is 7 marbles each.      14/2=7

If you do this as short division. The number that you are dividing by must go out the front.

The 2 goes out the front and the 14 goes inside.  See the order is swapped around ://

       7

    ____

2 | 14

YES I know, maths is confusing.    :)))

Why don't you become a member,  I like the way your brain is working, and we will often answer member questions before we answer guest questions.  Members get a slightly better deal and you will be able to use the private messaging too :))