As a fraction, 1.5 is equal to ³⁄₂ (or 1 ¹⁄₂ as a mixed number)
To convert any decimal to a simplified fraction, you place the digits over the corresponding place-value denominator and reduce the fraction to its lowest terms. Below is the step-by-step breakdown, mathematical proofs, and reference tables for quick conversion.
Quick Reference Summary
What is 1.5 as a Fraction? (Step-by-Step) Conversion guide
Converting decimals into fractions requires three steps: expressing the decimal over 1, clearing the decimal point using powers of 10, and simplifying using the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).
Express 1.5 as a Ratio
Any real number can be written as a fraction by setting the number as the numerator over a denominator of 1:
Eliminate the Decimal Point
Count the number of decimal places after the decimal point. Since there is 1 digit (5) in the tenths place, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 (10¹):
Reduce the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 15 and 10 to reduce the fraction:
Factors of 10: 1, 2, 5, 10
Divide both the numerator and denominator by 5:
How to Convert 3/2 to a Mixed Number
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than its denominator. To write 3/2 as a mixed number:
Convert the Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number
Whole Number Separation
Another method to convert 1.5 to a fraction is splitting the integer from the fractional decimal:
Common Decimal to Fraction Conversions Table
Practical Applications of Conversion
Converting between decimals and fractions is essential across several practical fields:
Cooking & Culinary Measurements: Recipes list volume in mixed numbers (e.g., 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of milk) rather than decimals (1.5 cups).
Carpentry & Woodworking: Imperial measurement tapes divide inches into 16ths, 8ths, 4ths, and halves. Finding 1.5 inches requires locating 1 ¹⁄₂ inches.
Algebra & Calculus: Exact fractions (³⁄₂) are preferred over decimals to prevent rounding errors during long multi-step equations.
Explore Related Math Guides:
Conclusion
Converting 1.5 to a fraction is simple: 1.5 equals 15/10, which reduces to 3/2. It is also equal to 1 1/2 and 150%.
Want to excite your child about math and sharpen their math skills? Moonpreneur’s online math curriculum is unique as it helps children understand math skills through hands-on lessons, assists them in building real-life applications, and excites them to learn math.
You can opt for our Advanced Math or Vedic Math+Mental Math courses. Our Math Quiz for grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th helps in further exciting and engaging in mathematics with hands-on lessons.
