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 73 by the denominator 42:
73 (numerator) ÷ 42 (denominator) = 1.74
As a result, you get 1.74 as your answer when you convert 1 31/42 (or 73/42) to a decimal.