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 51 by the denominator 3:
51 (numerator) ÷ 3 (denominator) = 17
As a result, you get 17 as your answer when you convert 3 42/3 (or 51/3) to a decimal.