Converting Fractions to Equivalent Decimals

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

Introduction

Mark is training for a mini triathlon, which consists of three main events: cycling, running, and swimming. To prepare for the event, he has been exercising every day for a week, covering a certain distance in each activity. In this article, we will calculate the combined distance Mark exercised during the week.

Understanding the Problem

Mark rode his bike $\frac{3}{4}$ mile, ran $\frac{5}{6}$ mile, and swam $\frac{10}{12}$ mile each day for 7 days. To find the combined distance, we need to add up the distances covered in each activity.

Converting Fractions to Equivalent Decimals

Before we can add the distances, we need to convert the fractions to equivalent decimals. We can do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

$\frac{3}{4}$ = 0.75
$\frac{5}{6}$ = 0.83
$\frac{10}{12}$ = 0.83

Calculating the Combined Distance

Now that we have the equivalent decimals, we can add up the distances covered in each activity.

Combined distance = (0.75 + 0.83 + 0.83) x 7

Using the Order of Operations

To evaluate the expression, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: None
Exponents: None
Multiplication: 7
Addition: 0.75 + 0.83 + 0.83

Evaluating the Expression

Now that we have followed the order of operations, we can evaluate the expression:

Combined distance = (0.75 + 0.83 + 0.83) x 7 = (2.41) x 7 = 16.87

Conclusion

Mark exercised a combined distance of 16.87 miles during the week. This is a significant amount of exercise, and it's great that Mark is preparing for the mini triathlon.

Tips for Calculating Combined Distance

When calculating combined distance, make sure to:

Convert fractions to equivalent decimals
Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS)
Evaluate the expression carefully

By following these tips, you can accurately calculate the combined distance for any mini triathlon or exercise routine.

Real-World Applications

Calculating combined distance has many real-world applications, such as:

Fitness tracking: Calculating combined distance can help you track your progress and set goals for your fitness routine.
Travel planning: Calculating combined distance can help you plan your trips and estimate the time it will take to travel between destinations.
Sports analysis: Calculating combined distance can help you analyze the performance of athletes and teams in various sports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When calculating combined distance, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes:

Rounding errors: Make sure to use precise calculations and avoid rounding errors.
Order of operations: Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) carefully to avoid errors.
Unit conversions: Make sure to convert units correctly to avoid errors.

Conclusion

Q: What is combined distance?

A: Combined distance refers to the total distance covered in a multi-activity exercise routine, such as a mini triathlon. It is the sum of the distances covered in each activity.

Q: Why is it important to calculate combined distance?

A: Calculating combined distance is essential for tracking progress and setting goals for a fitness routine. It helps you understand how far you have traveled and how much more you need to go to reach your goals.

Q: How do I calculate combined distance?

A: To calculate combined distance, you need to:

Convert fractions to equivalent decimals
Add up the distances covered in each activity
Multiply the sum by the number of days or activities

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating combined distance?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating combined distance include:

Rounding errors
Incorrect order of operations
Unit conversions

Q: How do I convert fractions to equivalent decimals?

A: To convert fractions to equivalent decimals, you can divide the numerator by the denominator.

Q: What is the order of operations (PEMDAS)?

A: The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a set of rules that tells you which operations to perform first when evaluating an expression. The order is:

Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Q: How do I evaluate an expression using the order of operations?

A: To evaluate an expression using the order of operations, you need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) and perform the operations in the correct order.

Q: What are some real-world applications of calculating combined distance?

A: Some real-world applications of calculating combined distance include:

Fitness tracking
Travel planning
Sports analysis

Q: How can I use calculating combined distance in my daily life?

A: You can use calculating combined distance in your daily life by:

Tracking your progress in a fitness routine
Planning your trips and estimating the time it will take to travel between destinations
Analyzing the performance of athletes and teams in various sports

Q: What are some tips for calculating combined distance?

A: Some tips for calculating combined distance include:

Using precise calculations and avoiding rounding errors
Following the order of operations (PEMDAS) carefully
Converting units correctly

Conclusion

Calculating combined distance is an essential skill for anyone who wants to track their progress and set goals for their fitness routine. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can accurately calculate the combined distance for any mini triathlon or exercise routine.