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 142 by the denominator 8:
142 (numerator) ÷ 8 (denominator) = 17.75
As a result, you get 17.75 as your answer when you convert 8 78/8 (or 142/8) to a decimal.