Converting a Mixed Number to a Terminating Decimal - Basic

As we have already learnt, a mixed number has a whole number part and a proper fraction part.

Rules to convert a mixed number to a terminating decimal.

We first take the whole number part of the mixed number and make it the whole number part of the decimal number.

We next take the fractional part of mixed number and set it up as a long spanision and obtain its decimal value.

The decimal value obtained above becomes the decimal part of the decimal number.

For example, in $1 frac{1}{4}, : frac{1}{4} = 0.25$, whole number part 1 of mixed number is retained in decimal number. So, $1 frac{1}{4} = 1.25$

Convert $2 frac{2}{5}$ into a terminating decimal.

Solution

Step 1:

We retain the whole number part of the mixed number and do long spanision on the fractional part $frac{2}{5}$, spaniding 2 by 5.

Step 2:

We find that $frac{2}{5} = 0.4$

Step 3:

So, the decimal has a whole number part 2 and a decimal part 0.4.

Step 4:

So, $2 frac{2}{5} = 2.4$

Convert $13 frac{5}{8}$ into a terminating decimal.

Solution

Step 1:

We retain the whole number part of the mixed number 13 and do long spanision on the fractional part $frac{5}{8}$, spaniding 5 by 8

Step 2:

We find that $frac{5}{8} = 0.625$

Step 3:

So, the decimal has a whole number part 13 and a decimal part 0.625

Step 4:

So, $13 frac{5}{8} = 13.625$