A person in a classroom saying,

Do you struggle with math? If you do, you're not alone. For example, a lot of people see 3/4 or 5/6 and think, "I'm so bad at fractions!"

Thankfully, you can use 3 steps to change most fractions into decimals that are easy to work with:

  1. Read it

  2. Set up a long division problem

  3. Complete the long division

Flaticon Icon

What you'll need in your tool kit: while you practice, try working out the examples on paper or using a notepad app.

Review: Fractions and Decimals

Fractions and decimals are used to represent a portion or part of a whole.

An image of a pie representing the fraction 1/4 and decimal 0.25

Fractions

Fractions have a fraction bar. In a proper fraction, the whole number is written to the left of the fraction.

Decimals

Decimals have a decimal point separating the whole numbers from the decimal numbers.

Step 1: Read the fraction

Read the fraction from top (numerator) to bottom (denominator) and read the fraction bar as "divided by".

A sticky note with fraction 2 / 3 labeling the numerator, fraction bar, and denominator.

Example 1: 1 / 2

You read " 1 / 2 " as " 1 divided by 2". A sticky note with fraction 1 / 2 and the words

Example 2: 3 / 4

You read " 3 / 4 " as "3 divided by 4". A sticky note with  fraction 3 / 4 and the words

Step 2: Set up a long division problem

Since the top number (numerator) needs to be divided by the bottom number (denominator), put the top number under the long division symbol and the bottom number to the left on the outside.

Example 1:

1 / 2 is 1 divided by 2. The 1 goes under the long division symbol and the 2 goes to the left on the outside. 1 divided by 2 using a long division symbol.

Example 2:

3 / 4 is 3 divided by 4. The 3 goes under the long division symbol and the 4 goes to the left on the outside. 3 divided by 4 using a long division symbol.

Step 3: Complete the long division

Flaticon Icon

Divide using long division rules.

Since the number inside the long division symbol is smaller than the number outside the symbol, add a decimal point to the end of the number on the inside. Then add zeros as needed.

Example 1:

1 / 2 = 0.5

1 / 2 = 0.5 using long division.

Example 2:

3 / 4 = 0.75

3 / 4 = 0.75 using long division.

Want to learn more about long division? Check out this video!

Quiz

Convert 4 / 5 to a decimal.

What could go wrong?

Flaticon Icon Look what happens if you place the wrong number inside the long division symbol.

Example 1:

Convert 1 / 2 to a decimal.

The mistake in the example: when you read the fraction, it's 1 divided by 2. That means the 1 should go inside the division symbol, not outside.

A long division problem dividing 2 by 1 = 2, which is not equal to 1/2.

A long division problem: 2 by 1 is 2, which is not equal to 1/2.

Ask yourself, "Is this reasonable?"

Since 1 / 2 is less than 1, the decimal should also be less than 1.

Example 2:

Convert 3 / 4 to a decimal.

The mistake in the example: when you read the fraction, it's 3 divided by 4. That means the 3 should go inside the division symbol, not outside.

A long division problem dividing 4 by 3 is 1.333, which is not equal to 3/4.

A long division problem showing dividing

Ask yourself, "Is this reasonable?"

Since 3 / 4 is less than 1, the decimal should also be less than 1.

Quiz

A student converted 1/3 to a decimal and their answer was 1.3. What was likely the error the student made?

Take Action

Teachers and students celebrating in pairs by high fiving. Glitter and confetti explodes around them.

Look what great math you CAN do!

Sometimes math can be challenging, but using tips, tricks, and steps can help you step up to the challenge. Take what you've learned and keep practicing. You'll be an ace at fractions and decimals in no time.

License:

Your feedback matters to us.

This Byte helped me better understand the topic.

Get support to take action on this Byte