Solution: 2 42/5 as a decimal is 10.4
Methods
First step – Making the fraction improper:
The first step to changing 2 42/5 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 2 by 5 and add its product to 42 in the numerator to get: 52/5. Now we will attempt to convert 52/5 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 52 by the denominator 5 (which you can enter in any calculator):
52 (numerator) ÷ 5 (denominator) = 10.4
And finally, you get 10.4 as your answer when you convert 2 42/5 (or 52/5) 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:
What is 6 16/7 as a decimal?
What is 17 8/8 as a decimal?
What is 2 25/45 as a decimal?
What is 5 14/17 as a decimal?