Some fractions are almost in decimal form already. These fractions have 10 or a power of 10 in the denominator, or can be manipulated to fit this condition. The fraction 3/10 converts to 0.3, 3/100 to 0.03 and 3/1,000 to 0.003. The fraction 4/25 can be changed by multiplying it by 4/4, yielding 16/100 or 0.16. Multiply 3/5 by 2/2 to get 6/10 or 0.6. When changing decimal fractions, count the zeroes after the number 1 in the denominator to find out how many places there are after the decimal point.
If you are given a mixed number -- for example, 14 1/4 -- the whole number portion is left alone, and is not turned into an improper fraction, as it is already in decimal form. The fractional portion, 1/4, can be turned into a decimal fraction by multiplying it by 25/25, yielding 25/100 or 0.25. Adding that to the whole number portion gives you the solution: 14.25.
Fractions that cannot be reasonably turned into decimal fractions are changed into decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator. It helps to remember, when you see a conversion problem, that the fraction line is also used for division. The term "7/8" can be read as "seven/eighths" or "seven divided by eight." Set up the division, placing a decimal point to the right of the last digit of the dividend and a corresponding decimal point on the quotient line and solve: 7 / 8 = 0.875.
The quotient of 7/8 is a terminating decimal, which means there is no remainder after the last digit of the quotient. If you are asked to solve to the nearest hundredth, round up from 0.875 to 0.88. (You round up if the last digit is greater than or equal to 5.)
A fraction like 2/3 yields a decimal that has a repeating quotient: 0.666666666. This type of number is written with a bar over the repeating number or numbers. Other fractions will yield decimals that have an infinite series of numbers in the quotient. These are rounded off, and the solution written with the symbol for approximate: = (approx).