What is 3 16/42 as a decimal?

Solution: 3 16/42 as a decimal is 3.38

Methods

First step – Making the fraction improper:

The first step to changing 3 16/42 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 3 by 42 and add its product to 16 in the numerator to get: 142/42. Now we will attempt to convert 142/42 to a decimal using the following method:

Explanation using the division method:

A fraction is usually split into two parts: the first part is the number on top, called the numerator; and the second part is the number on the bottom, called the denominator. These are both separated by a line called the “divisor line”. We can use the division method help to solve this question: to get a decimal, simply divide the numerator 142 by the denominator 42 (which you can enter in any calculator):

142 (numerator) ÷ 42 (denominator) = 3.38

And finally, you get 3.38 as your answer when you convert 3 16/42 (or 142/42) to a decimal.

Practice more conversion problems

All it takes to be better at something is some practice! Take a look at some more similar problems on converting fractions to decimals and give them a go:

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