Solution: 3 8/42 as a decimal is 3.19
Methods
First step – Making the fraction improper:
The first step to changing 3 8/42 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 3 by 42 and add its product to 8 in the numerator to get: 134/42. Now we will attempt to convert 134/42 to a decimal using the following method:
Explanation using the division method:
A fraction is usually split into two parts: the first part is the number on top, called the numerator; and the second part is the number on the bottom, called the denominator. These are both separated by a line called the “divisor line”. We can use the division method help to solve this question: to get a decimal, simply divide the numerator 134 by the denominator 42 (which you can enter in any calculator):
134 (numerator) ÷ 42 (denominator) = 3.19
And finally, you get 3.19 as your answer when you convert 3 8/42 (or 134/42) to a decimal.
Practice more conversion problems
All it takes to be better at something is some practice! Take a look at some more similar problems on converting fractions to decimals and give them a go:
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