The Lesson

A fraction can be converted to a decimal.

How to Convert a Fraction to a Decimal

Converting a fraction to a decimal is easy. Divide the top number of the fraction by the bottom number of the fraction.

Question

What is 1⁄5 as a decimal?

Step-by-Step:

1

Divide the top number (called the numerator) of the fraction (1) by the bottom number (called the denominator) of the fraction (5).

1 ÷ 5 = 0.2

Answer:

1⁄5 converted to a decimal is 0.2.

Lesson Slides

The slider below gives another example of converting a fraction to a decimal.

Interactive Widget

Here is an interactive widget to help you learn about converting fractions to decimals.

What Is a Fraction?

Fractions consist of a numerator and a denominator.

The denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into, and the numerator tells you how many of these parts there are.