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 142:
72 (numerator) ÷ 142 (denominator) = 0.51
As a result, you get 0.51 as your answer when you convert 72/142 to a decimal.