Convert Fraction to Decimal

Explore here how to turn a fraction into a decimal – general rules and then examples

In order to convert fraction to decimal follow these steps:

Look at your fraction: given fraction will loke like this ab. This is a division of numerator a (on the top) by denominator b (on the bottom)

Start the division:
- write given fraction as a : b
- proceed with the division – 2 options depending on whether a ir greater than b, or not:

When the Numerator (a) is Less than the Denominator (b)

Add a decimal point and zeros: Since a is less than b, the division will not be ‘whole’ initially. Place a decimal point to the right of the numerator (a) and add zeros. You can add as many zeros as needed to get a non-zero quotient
Begin division: Divide as you would in a typical long division. Bring down a zero each time you extend the division past the decimal point.
Continue until sufficient precision: Keep adding zeros and dividing until you reach the desired number of decimal places or until you notice a repeating pattern in the decimals
Round if necessary: If you need to round the decimal, do so according to the required precision

When the Numerator (a) is Greater than the Denominator (b)

Perform initial division: Since a is greater than b, you’ll get a whole number as part of your answer immediately. Divide a by b as far as you can without adding any decimal points.
Add a decimal point: Once you cannot divide any further, place a decimal point in your answer and add a zero to the remainder of your numerator.
Continue with long division: Keep dividing, bringing down zeros after the decimal point as needed.
End the division: Stop when you reach the end of the number, find a repeating pattern, or reach the desired decimal precision.
Round if necessary: If rounding is required, do so based on the desired precision.

In both cases, the process involves standard long division, but the approach differs slightly based on whether a is smaller or larger than b. The key is to add zeros and extend the division to the right of the decimal point as needed to find the decimal equivalent of the fraction.

In both case the result will be the decimal equivalent of the given fraction

Key points how to convert a fraction to a decimal:

It is simple division: think of converting a fraction to a decimal as simple division
Decimal point: when the top number (numerator) is smaller than the bottom number (denominator), add a decimal point and zero to make it bigger.
Repeat as needed: keep subtracting and bringing down zeros until you can’t divide anymore
The answer: the number obtained is the decimal