In another lesson, we will look at converting fractions with denominators, that are multiples of 10, into decimals.
How to convert a fraction to a decimal?
When we convert a fraction to a decimal, we divide the numerator of the fraction by the denominator.
Example :
Convert
to a decimal
Solution:

Therefore,
= 0.25
Example:
Convert
to a decimal
Solution:

Therefore,
= 1.875
The denominator may not always divide the numerator exactly. In this case, write your answer to the number of decimal places as specified in the question.
Example:
Convert the fraction
to a decimal. (Round off your answer to 2 decimal places)
Solution:
Therefore,
= 0.71 (round to 2 decimal places)
In this example, the division results in a non-zero remainder. Since we are required to round off to 2 decimal places, we perform the calculation until 3 decimal places and then round off to 2 decimal places.
The following video shows more examples of converting fractions to decimals.
When allowed, you can use the calculator to get the decimal. However, for SAT, the College Board recommends that you know the decimal equivalent of the following fractions:
| Fraction | |||||
| Decimal |
The bar notation indicates that the 3 and the 6 repeat infinitely, ie:
= 0.33333 ...
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