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 87 by the denominator 2:
87 (numerator) ÷ 2 (denominator) = 43.5
As a result, you get 43.5 as your answer when you convert 8 71/2 (or 87/2) to a decimal.