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 42 by the denominator 40:
42 (numerator) ÷ 40 (denominator) = 1.05
As a result, you get 1.05 as your answer when you convert 1 2/40 (or 42/40) to a decimal.