How to Convert a Decimal to a Whole Number

Repeating Decimal

• 1

  Set the variable "x" equivalent to the repeating decimal 0.5555 so that x=0.5555.

• 2

  Examine the repeating decimal to find the repeating digit or digits. Deduce that the repeating decimal is 5 in 0.5555.

• 3

  Place the repeating decimal to the left of the decimal point. In this case, 0.5555 becomes 5.555

• 4

  Multiply the other side of the expression, "x=5.555" by 10 and obtain "10x=5.555."

• 5

  Evaluate the original and new equations -- "10x=5.555" and "x=0.5555" by subtracting like values.

• 6

  Subtract the original equation from the new equation. Subtract "10x-x=5.555-.5555" and obtain 9x=5.

• 7

  Solve for x by dividing both sides by 9. Obtain the final fraction, which is 5/9.

Terminating Decimal

• 8

  Recall that the number after the decimal place explains how many 10ths, 100ths, or 1000ths are within a decimal. Convert 0.1 to 1/10, 0.01 to 1/100, and 0.001 to 1/100, for example.

• 9

  Convert the decimal to a sum of fractions. Convert 0.51 to 5/10 plus 1/100.

• 10

  Multiply the fractions by any value to obtain two fractions with like denominators. Multiply 5/10 by 10 to obtain 50/100.

• 11

  Add the two fractions together by adding their numerators. 50/100 plus 1/100 simplifies to 51/100, or the equivalent fraction.