Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 0.25
Explanation:
Introduction: Multiply fractions by simplifying numerators and denominators before multiplying. This reduces computational effort and avoids large intermediate numbers. The final decimal form is requested by the options.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach: Combine numerators and denominators first, then cancel common factors. Finally convert the simplified fraction to a decimal for the answer choice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Numerator = 2 * 6 * 2 * 3 = 72 Denominator = 3 * 8 * 3 * 4 = 288 Value = 72 / 288 = 1 / 4 = 0.25Verification / Alternative check: Incremental cancellations (e.g., 6/3 → 2; 3 in numerator with 3 in denominator) also lead to 1/4 quickly, confirming 0.25.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: 0.5 and 0.125 correspond to 1/2 and 1/8, not the computed 1/4; 1.45 and 11.8 are irrelevant orders of magnitude larger.
Common Pitfalls: Multiplying all factors first and then simplifying, which invites arithmetic errors; cancel early to stay accurate.
Final Answer: 0.25
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