#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

Two Ways to Make a Fraction into a Decimal

A fraction is a representation of parts of a whole. The numerator is the number of parts. The denominator is the number of total parts in the whole. Sometimes fractions need to be expressed as decimals. It is easier to convert fractions to decimals if they can be viewed as division problems. For example, 1/2 is just 1 divided into 2 parts.
  1. Basic

    • The simplest way to turn a fraction into a decimal is to divide the numerator by the denominator. You can use a calculator or short division. For example, 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = .75, or 5/8 = 5 ÷ 8 = .625.

    Manual Method 1

    • Another simple way to convert fractions to decimals is to use this method, where the denominator is a number with a 1 and zeros. To convert 50/100 to a decimal, for example, count the number of zeros in the denominator: 2. Place the decimal in the numerator according to the number of zeros: 50. becomes .50

      Some numerators do not have enough places to correspond with the number of zeros in the denominator. In this instance, zeros will need to be added in front of the number. Convert 8/1000 to a decimal: .008

    Manual Method 2

    • Fractions can also be converted into decimals by multiplying the denominator by a number that will equal 10, 100, 1000, etc. The number must have 1 with zeros behind it. Convert 1/2 to a decimal using this method by multiplying the denominator by 50: 2 x 50 = 100. Now do the same for the numerator: 1 x 50 = 50. The fraction is now 50/100. Place the decimal in the numerator according to the number of zeros in the denominator: .50

    Approximation

    • Not all denominators are divisible by 10. In this case, multiply the denominator by a number that will get close to it. Convert 2/3 to a decimal by multiplying the denominator by 333: 3 x 333 = 999. Repeat with the numerator: 2 x 333 = 666. The fraction is now 666/999. This decimal will keep repeating, so go out three decimal places and stop: .666

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved