The first step to changing 3 42/15 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 3 by 15 and add its product to 42 in the numerator to get: 87/15. Now we will attempt to convert 87/15 to a decimal using the following method.
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 87 by the denominator 15:
87 (numerator) ÷ 15 (denominator) = 5.8
As a result, you get 5.8 as your answer when you convert 3 42/15 (or 87/15) to a decimal.
Practice some more problems on converting fractions to decimals:
Take advantage of our free downloadable resources and study materials for at-home learning.
One thing we teach our students at Thinkster is that there are multiple ways to solve a math problem. This helps our students learn to think flexibly and non-linearly.
Get PDF
As a parent, you hope your child is extremely successful and likely become the next Gates, Zuckerberg, or Meg Whitman. To set your child on the right path, there are many skills and traits that you can start building and nurturing now. Doing so plants the seeds for future success.
Get PDF