A fraction is written in terms of two parts: the number on top is called the numerator and the number on the bottom is called the denominator. We can use the division method to solve this question. To get a decimal, simply divide the numerator 59 by the denominator 42:
59 (numerator) ÷ 42 (denominator) = 1.4
As a result, you get 1.4 as your answer when you convert 1 17/42 (or 59/42) to a decimal.