Converting Fractions to Decimals

Overview

This lecture explains how to convert fractions into decimals without a calculator using basic division.

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number).
Example: For 9/20, calculate 9 ÷ 20 to get 0.45.
If mental division is difficult, use short or long division on paper.
Example: For 3/8, calculate 3 ÷ 8 to get 0.375.
You can use known decimal equivalents for common fractions (e.g., 1/8 = 0.125; so 3/8 = 3 × 0.125 = 0.375).
Example: For 4/5, calculate 4 ÷ 5 to get 0.8.
Use known equivalents (e.g., 1/5 = 0.2; so 4/5 = 4 × 0.2 = 0.8) to speed up calculations.

Fraction — A numerical representation of part of a whole, written as a/b where a is the numerator and b is the denominator.
Decimal — A number expressed in the base-10 system, often using a decimal point.
Numerator — The top number of a fraction, representing the number of parts taken.
Denominator — The bottom number of a fraction, representing the total number of parts.

Practice converting various fractions into decimals using both division and known decimal equivalents.
Review short and long division methods if needed.