Fractions to Decimals
Divide numerator by denominator; the result terminates or repeats.
Key idea
Divide numerator by denominator; the result terminates or repeats.
In depth
A fraction is a division: a/b = a ÷ b. Do long division to turn it into a decimal. It either terminates or repeats.
Worked example
3/8 = 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. And 1/3 = 0.333... repeating.
Formula
Real-world uses
- Converting 3/8 to 0.375 for measurements
- Comparing a fraction discount with a decimal one
Common mistake
Writing 1/3 as 0.33 and treating it as exact. It is only an approximation.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fractions to Decimals?
Divide numerator by denominator; the result terminates or repeats. It is a topic at the intermediate level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is the formula for Fractions to Decimals?
The key formula is 3/8 = 0.375.
Where is Fractions to Decimals used in real life?
Real-world examples: Converting 3/8 to 0.375 for measurements; Comparing a fraction discount with a decimal one.
What should I learn before Fractions to Decimals?
Make sure you are comfortable with Dividing Decimals, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Fractions to Decimals?
Writing 1/3 as 0.33 and treating it as exact. It is only an approximation.
How can I practise Fractions to Decimals?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Fractions to Decimals?
Move on to Repeating Decimals next.
Related intermediate topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Long Multiplication – Multiply by each digit of the multiplier, shift by place value, then add partial products.
- Long Division – Divide, multiply, subtract and bring down repeatedly to get the quotient.
- Factors and Multiples – Factors divide a number exactly; multiples are its products with whole numbers.
- Divisibility Rules – Quick tests: by 2 last digit even, by 3 digit-sum divisible by 3, by 5 ends 0/5, by 9 digit-sum divisible by 9.
- Prime Numbers – A prime has exactly two positive divisors: 1 and itself.
- Composite Numbers – Numbers greater than 1 with more than two factors.