Convert the fraction 3/8 to a decimal number.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of how to convert a simple fraction into its decimal form. Converting between fractions and decimals is a very common skill used in aptitude tests, data interpretation and everyday calculations such as money, measurements and percentages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given fraction: 3/8.
• We must express 3/8 as a decimal number.
• No rounding instructions are given, so we should use the exact terminating decimal.

Concept / Approach:
To convert a fraction to a decimal, we divide the numerator by the denominator. Here we compute 3 ÷ 8. Because 8 is a factor of 2^3, the decimal will terminate, not repeat. We can use long division or use the idea of equivalent fractions with a denominator that is a power of 10.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Notice that 3/8 = (3 * 125) / (8 * 125) = 375/1000. Writing 375/1000 as a decimal directly gives 0.375. This confirms our long division result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1.375 is 11/8, which is larger than 1 and does not match 3/8. 2.375 corresponds to 19/8 and is even larger. 3.75 corresponds to 15/4. All these values are much bigger than 3/8, so they cannot be correct.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to incorrectly stop the division too early or misplace the decimal point, leading to 0.37 or 0.38 instead of the exact 0.375. Another error is to confuse 3/8 with 3.8, which is a completely different number. Always remember that a fraction less than 1 must convert to a decimal less than 1.

Final Answer:
The decimal representation of 3/8 is 0.375.