One method to convert 42/5 to a decimal is by using the division method. Before we move ahead to the method, here is a quick recap on fractions: A fraction is a number representation that is broken down into two parts - the number on top is called the numerator, and the number on the bottom is called the denominator. To get a decimal using the division method, simply divide the numerator 42 by the denominator 5:
42 (numerator) ÷ 5 (denominator) = 8.4
And there you go! We got 8.4 as the answer when you convert 5 17/5 (or 42/5) to a decimal.