Convert 3.5 to a fraction.

To convert the decimal 3.5 into a fraction, you first recognize that 3.5 can be expressed as 3 and 0.5, or alternatively as the improper fraction of 35 tenths (since there is one digit after the decimal point).

So, you can express 3.5 as:

[ 3.5 = \frac{35}{10} ]

Next, you simplify this fraction. Both the numerator and the denominator can be divided by 5:

[ \frac{35 \div 5}{10 \div 5} = \frac{7}{2} ]

Thus, the simplest form of the fraction is 7/2, meaning that the conversion of the decimal 3.5 to a fraction results in 7/2.

This understanding shows the correct conversion of a decimal to a fraction and why recognizing both the whole number and the fractional part is essential in the conversion process.