BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

If each of the following fractions...

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Oct 16, 2017 11:22 am
LUANDATO wrote:If each of the following fractions were written as a decimal, which would have the fewest number of digits to the right of the decimal point?

A. 1/8
B. 1/5
C. 1/3
D. 2/3
E. 3/4
Convert each fraction to a decimal...
A. 1/8 = 0.125 (3 digits to the right of the decimal point)
B. 1/5 = 0.2 (1 digit to the right of the decimal point)
NOTE: The only way to have FEWER than 1 digit to the right of the decimal point is to have ZERO digits to the right of the decimal point. This occurs only when the fraction evaluates to be an integer. Since none of the remaining fractions evaluate to be an integer, the correct answer is B

That said, let's perform the remaining conversions for "fun"

C. 1/3 = 0.333333... (infinitely many digits to the right of the decimal point)
D. 2/3 = 0.66666.... (infinitely many digits to the right of the decimal point)
E. 3/4 = 0.75 (2 digits to the right of the decimal point)

Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 555
Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pm
Thanked: 180 times
Followed by:12 members

by EconomistGMATTutor » Tue Oct 17, 2017 10:04 am
If each of the following fractions were written as a decimal, which would have the fewest number of digits to the right of the decimal point?

A. 1/8
B. 1/5
C. 1/3
D. 2/3
E. 3/4

The OA is B.

Can any expert explain this PS question? I don't understand why B?
Hi LUANDATO,
Let's take a look at your question.

To find the number of digits to the right of the decimal point, we need to convert the fractions to decimals.

$$\frac{1}{8}=0.125$$
$$\frac{1}{5\ }=0.2$$
$$\frac{1}{3}=0.3333...$$
$$\frac{2}{3}=0.6666...$$
$$\frac{3}{4}=0.75$$

We can see that 1/5 has the fewest number of digits to the right of the decimal point.
Therefore, Option B is correct.

I am available, if you'd like any follow up.
GMAT Prep From The Economist
We offer 70+ point score improvement money back guarantee.
Our average student improves 98 points.

Image
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 8086
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:25 am
BTGmoderatorLU wrote:If each of the following fractions were written as a decimal, which would have the fewest number of digits to the right of the decimal point?

A. 1/8
B. 1/5
C. 1/3
D. 2/3
E. 3/4

The OA is B.

Can any expert explain this PS question? I don't understand why B?
Since 1/5 = 0.2, and all other fractions convert to decimals of more than one digit, the answer is B.

Answer: B

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1