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 142 by the denominator 20:
142 (numerator) ÷ 20 (denominator) = 7.1
As a result, you get 7.1 as your answer when you convert 3 82/20 (or 142/20) to a decimal.