Math Problem Statement

Pls explain how to do without calc

What is the difference between one-third and 0.333?

Solution

To find the difference between one-third and 0.333 without a calculator, let's break it down step by step:

Step 1: Represent one-third as a decimal

One-third is represented as a repeating decimal: 13=0.33333\frac{1}{3} = 0.33333\ldots This is an infinite repeating decimal, where the digit 3 repeats indefinitely.

Step 2: Compare with the given decimal

The decimal provided in the question is 0.333, which has only three decimal places and is not the same as 13\frac{1}{3}. Therefore, we need to subtract 0.333 from the exact value of 13\frac{1}{3}.

Step 3: Subtract 0.333 from 13\frac{1}{3}

We calculate the difference between 13\frac{1}{3} and 0.333. The repeating decimal for 13\frac{1}{3} can be written as 0.333330.33333\ldots.

Now, subtract the two values: 130.333=0.333330.333=0.00033\frac{1}{3} - 0.333 = 0.33333\ldots - 0.333 = 0.00033\ldots The difference is approximately 0.00033 (with more 3's repeating).

Step 4: Convert the difference to a fraction

The difference 0.00033 is equivalent to 310000\frac{3}{10000}.

Step 5: Match with the given choices

Looking at the answer choices:

  • Option D gives 310000\frac{3}{10000}, which matches our calculation.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is D: 310000\frac{3}{10000}.


Would you like further clarification on any step or have additional questions? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you convert a repeating decimal to a fraction?
  2. Why is 13\frac{1}{3} different from 0.333 exactly?
  3. What is the general process for finding the difference between two decimals?
  4. Can you express 0.00033 as a fraction in another way?
  5. How would the answer change if more decimal places were given for 0.3333?

Tip: When dealing with repeating decimals, remember that they can never be fully represented by a finite decimal, so be careful with rounding or truncating values!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Decimals
Fractions
Subtraction

Formulas

Converting repeating decimals to fractions: \(\frac{1}{3} = 0.33333\ldots\)
Subtraction of decimals: 0.33333... - 0.333
Decimal to fraction conversion

Theorems

None

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8