$(.00625 \text{ of } \frac{23}{5})$ when expressed as a vulgar fraction, equals
Aptitude
Decimal Fraction
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$\frac{23}{80}$
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B$\frac{23}{800}$
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C$\frac{23}{8000}$
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D$\frac{125}{23}$
Answer
Correct Answer: $\frac{23}{800}$
Explanation
Concept & Strategy
The term "vulgar fraction" simply means a common fraction (a numerator over a denominator). The smartest strategy is to convert the given decimal into a fraction first, simplify it completely, and then perform the multiplication.
Step-by-Step Solution
* First, convert the decimal $0.00625$ into a fraction. Since there are 5 digits after the decimal, write it over $100000$:
$$\frac{625}{100000}$$
* Simplify this fraction. Both numbers are divisible by 25:
$$\frac{25}{4000}$$
* Simplify further. Both are divisible by 25 again:
$$\frac{1}{160}$$
* Now substitute this back into the original expression. "Of" signifies multiplication:
$$\frac{1}{160} \times \frac{23}{5}$$
* Multiply the numerators and denominators straight across:
$$\frac{1 \times 23}{160 \times 5} = \frac{23}{800}$$
Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Memorizing standard decimal-to-fraction conversions saves immense time. Knowing that $0.125 = \frac{1}{8}$ allows you to quickly deduce that $0.0625 = \frac{1}{16}$, and therefore shifting the decimal one more place means $0.00625 = \frac{1}{160}$. From there, it's a simple mental calculation: $160 \times 5 = 800$, leading straight to $\frac{23}{800}$.
Common Pitfall
Students often try to divide 23 by 5 first (getting 4.6) and then multiply $0.00625 \times 4.6$. While mathematically correct, it results in a complex decimal ($0.02875$) that is frustrating and time-consuming to convert back into a fraction. Always stay in fraction form.
Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is $\frac{23}{800}$.**