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 117 by the denominator 20:
117 (numerator) ÷ 20 (denominator) = 5.85
As a result, you get 5.85 as your answer when you convert 5 17/20 (or 117/20) to a decimal.