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 72 by the denominator 16:
72 (numerator) ÷ 16 (denominator) = 4.5
As a result, you get 4.5 as your answer when you convert 4 8/16 (or 72/16) to a decimal.