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 71 by the denominator 5:
71 (numerator) ÷ 5 (denominator) = 14.2
As a result, you get 14.2 as your answer when you convert 8 31/5 (or 71/5) to a decimal.