To convert a fraction to a decimal, we divide the numerator (the number above the fraction bar) by the denominator (the number below).
For example, let’s find the decimal value of 1/4 (one fourth, or a quarter).
Using a calculator, divide 1 by 4 (1 ÷ 4):
1 ÷ 4 = 0.25
0.25 is 1/4 expressed as a decimal.
Calculators: Most mobile phones include a 'Calculator' app, as do Windows and Mac OS operating systems on computers and laptops. There are also online calculators you might find useful, for example Calculator.net.
If we take one quarter slice away, what is the decimal value of the remaining 3 slices of cake?
There are 3/4 (three quarters) remaining. To express this as a decimal, we divide the numerator (3) by the denominator (4).
3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
so 0.75 is 3/4 expressed as a decimal.
Alternatively, and remembering that fractions are parts of a whole, we could have subbtracted the value that we already knew (1/4 = 0.25), from the whole, to find the remaining value.The whole is 1.00, in decimal terms, so subtracting 0.25 from this tells us that 0.75 remains.
1.00 - 0.25 = 0.75
How would you express one and a half (1½) as a decimal?
Convert the fraction (1/2) to a decimal: 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
Add this to the whole (1): 1 + 0.5 = 1.5
One and a half (1½) is 1.5 as a decimal.