Converting a decimal representation to its equivalent fractional form involves expressing a number written in base-10 notation as a ratio of two integers. For example, the decimal 0.75 can be represented as the fraction 3/4. The method for this conversion varies slightly depending on whether the decimal terminates (ends) or repeats infinitely.
The ability to rewrite numbers in different formats holds significant value in various mathematical and scientific applications. Fractions often provide more precise representations than decimals, particularly when dealing with repeating decimals. Historically, the development of fractions predates that of decimals, and their understanding is fundamental to number theory and algebra.