Concepts

Fractions and decimals are different ways of representing parts of a whole. Both are used for many of the same things, so there is often the need to convert them in order to add, subtract, or compare them. Fractions are commonly used for cooking measurements and decimals for money.

Rules

To convert a fraction to decimal;
Step 1: Find a number to multiply by the denominator to make it 10, or 100, or 1000, or any multiple of 10.

Step 2: Multiply both numerator and denominator by that number making an equivalent fraction.

Step 3: Write the decimal using the correct place value position.

Alternate method: Divide the numerator by the denominator using long division or a calculator.

Example

Write as a decimal number.

$\frac{23}{100}\mathrm{ }\mathrm{=}\mathrm{ }$

Solution

Since the 100 in $\frac{23}{100}$ represents hundredth, the numerator will go in the tenth & hundredth position in the place value chart. 23 means 2 tenths and 3 hundredths. 

The fraction can also be converted into a decimal by dividing the numerator (23) by the denominator (100).     

23 ÷ 100 = 0.23

Answer: 0.23

Prerequisite Skills

Equivalent Fractions (4.14.5)

Long division (4.7.8)

Write Numbers for Word Names - Up to Hundred Thousands (4.1.1)

Write Word Names for Numbers - Up to Hundred Thousands (4.1.2)

Convert between Standard and Expanded Form - Up to Hundred Thousands (4.1.3)