What is the decimal equivalent (decimal conversion) of the fraction 1/8 ?

Introduction / Context:
Converting simple fractions into decimals is a fundamental skill in arithmetic and is frequently tested in aptitude examinations. The fraction 1/8 is a standard benchmark value, and knowing its decimal form helps in many calculations involving percentages, ratios, and probability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are given the fraction 1/8.
• We must convert it into a decimal number.
• The answer should be exact, with no rounding.

Concept / Approach:
To convert a fraction to a decimal, we divide the numerator by the denominator. For 1/8, this means performing 1 ÷ 8. Since 8 does not divide 1 directly, we introduce decimal places and continue the division until it terminates or repeats. In this case, the decimal terminates after three places.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write the division 1 ÷ 8. Step 2: Since 1 is smaller than 8, write 1.000 and think of dividing 10, 100, and 1000 by 8 step by step. Step 3: 8 goes into 10 once, giving 1 with a remainder of 2 (since 10 − 8 = 2). So the first decimal digit is 1. Step 4: Bring down another 0 to make 20. 8 goes into 20 two times (2 × 8 = 16), remainder 4. The second decimal digit is 2. Step 5: Bring down another 0 to make 40. 8 goes into 40 exactly 5 times, remainder 0. The third decimal digit is 5. Step 6: The division ends with no remainder, so 1 ÷ 8 = 0.125.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiply 0.125 by 8 to ensure it returns 1. Compute 0.125 × 8 = 1.000, confirming that 0.125 is exactly equal to 1/8. This verifies the conversion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
0.375 is the decimal for 3/8, not 1/8.
0.247 and 0.214 do not correspond to any simple fraction like 1/8 and appear as distractor values.
0.875 corresponds to 7/8, not 1/8.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse 1/8 with similar-looking fractions like 1/4 or 3/8 and misremember the decimal equivalents. Others may stop division too early and round incorrectly. Practising a few standard fraction-decimal pairs, such as 1/2, 1/4, 1/5, 1/8, and 3/8, helps build strong numerical intuition.

Final Answer:
The decimal equivalent of 1/8 is 0.125.