Many students struggle when it comes to converting fractions
to decimals. In reality, it is a very simple process once you get the hang of
it! The trick can be learnt and mastered easily in a few simple steps. In this
article, we will show these easy steps to you which can be implied conveniently
to convert any fraction to its decimal equivalent.
How to Convert
Fraction to Decimal
1.
The first step is to know what the fraction
actually means. The top number is known as the numerator while the bottom
number is known as the denominator. The fraction actually means the numerator
is divided by the denominator.
2.
You should always begin by putting your fraction
in the simplest form. It is always easier to work with a simple fraction.
Teachers and parents will have a much easier time working with the fractions if
they have simplified fractions first.
3.
Now that you have simplified the fraction, you
are ready to start converting your fraction to decimal. The task can be easier
with a calculator. Just type the top number, the numerator, divided by the
bottom number, or the denominator. The result will convert your fraction to
decimal.
4.
Now let’s work when you do not have a calculator
in handy. In this way, there is a little more work to do to convert your
fraction to its decimal equivalent. For example, take your fraction to be ½. On
a piece of paper, write the division sign and put the numerator, in this case
1, under the “roof” and the denominator, the number 2, next to it. Your
equation should look like 2/1. Now you
want to say how many times the number 2 can go into 1. As you can see this is
not possible, you would put a point after the denominator and put a 0. You
equation will now should You fraction will now look like 2/1.0
5.
Now ignore the point for a second and then again
say how many times the number 2 goes into the number 1.0. The answer is 5
times. Write the number 5 on top of the “roof” above the 0. Next is to multiply
the number 5 by 2 write the answer 10 under 1.0. Subtract 10 from 10. You are
left with 0. Once 0 is reached, you should know that the division is complete.
6.
Now, you need to carry the decimal point up from
bottom. Place is directly in front of the number 5 on the “roof”. Then, you
need to ass a 0 in front of the decimal point. At this point you answer should
look like this: 0.5. You have just converted the fraction ½ to its decimal
equivalent.
