To convert the decimal \( 8.96 \) to a fraction, here’s a simplified version of the step-by-step process:

### Step 1: Express as a Fraction
First, write \( 8.96 \) as a fraction over 1:
\[
8.96 = \frac{8.96}{1}
\]

### Step 2: Remove the Decimal
Count the digits after the decimal in \( 8.96 \); there are 2 digits. To remove the decimal, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by \( 10^2 = 100 \):
\[
\frac{8.96 \times 100}{1 \times 100} = \frac{896}{100}
\]

### Step 3: Simplify the Fraction
Now, simplify \( \frac{896}{100} \) by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 896 and 100, which is 4. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 4:
\[
\frac{896 \div 4}{100 \div 4} = \frac{224}{25}
\]

So, \( 8.96 \) as a fraction in its simplest form is:
\[
\frac{224}{25}
\]

### Verification
To confirm, you can convert \( \frac{224}{25} \) back to a decimal:
\[
\frac{224}{25} = 8.96
\]
This verifies that the fraction \( \frac{224}{25} \) is correct.