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 85 by the denominator 42:
85 (numerator) ÷ 42 (denominator) = 2.02
As a result, you get 2.02 as your answer when you convert 2 1/42 (or 85/42) to a decimal.