To simplify \( 243 \frac{3}{5} \), we want to convert the mixed number into an improper fraction. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Convert the Whole Number to a Fraction
The whole number part is \( 243 \). To express this as a fraction, you multiply it by the denominator of the fractional part: \[ 243 = \frac{243 \times 5}{5} = \frac{1215}{5} \]
Step 2: Add the Fractional Part
Now, we’ll add the fractional part \( \frac{3}{5} \) to this: \[ 243 \frac{3}{5} = \frac{1215}{5} + \frac{3}{5} \]
Step 3: Combine the Fractions
Since both fractions have the same denominator, we can combine them directly: \[ \frac{1215 + 3}{5} = \frac{1218}{5} \]
Result
The improper fraction representation of \( 243 \frac{3}{5} \) is: \[ \frac{1218}{5} \]
Final Expression
Thus, the correct simplification of \( 243 \frac{3}{5} \) is: \[ \frac{1218}{5} \]
If you wanted to express this as a decimal, you could divide \( 1218 \) by \( 5 \), which gives: \[ 243.6 \] So, \( 243 \frac{3}{5} \) is equivalent to \( 243.6 \) as a decimal, but the improper fraction \( \frac{1218}{5} \) is the direct simplification.