# Math Help - Decimal to exponent.

1. ## Decimal to exponent.

I encountered a problem where I needed to use like bases to solve an equation.

I'm just wondering if there was an easier way than what I had used to find out that 0.03125 = 2^(-5)

2. Without knowing what you were working with, I'm afraid it will be difficult to answer your question. Sorry!

Are you able to provide an example? Thank you!

3. Originally Posted by stapel
Without knowing what you were working with, I'm afraid it will be difficult to answer your question. Sorry!

Are you able to provide an example? Thank you!
Oh OK, I think I meant to say fraction instead because it was a negative exponent.

I understand that 1/32 = 0.03125.
But how can you find the fraction if given a decimal number.

ie. 0.03125 in factional form = ??

4. Originally Posted by NotSoBasic
Oh OK, I think I meant to say fraction instead because it was a negative exponent.

I understand that 1/32 = 0.03125.
But how can you find the fraction if given a decimal number.

ie. 0.03125 in factional form = ??
Hi NotSoBasic,

A decimal is a fraction written in a different way. Count from the decimal point to the last place to the right of the decimal point. Each place has a fractional value.

1st place - tenths
2nd place - hundreths
3rd place - thousandths
4th place - ten-thousands
5th place - hundred-thousandths

0.03125 means 3125 hundred-thousands or $\frac{3125}{100000}$ since there are 5 places to the right of the decimal.

Now reduce the fraction to $\frac{1}{32}$ by dividing the numerator by the greatest common factor of 3125.

5. Oh yeah!..

Thanks for refreshing my memory. =]