How to Change a Mixed Number into a Decimal

Changing a mixed number into a decimal is not a complicated task. Here are steps on how to change a mixed number into a decimal.

Things You'll Need

• pencil
• scrap paper

Instructions

1. Start with a mixed number. A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction. In this case our mixed number will be 2 7/8.

2. Change the mixed number into an improper fraction. This is done by multiplying the denominator by the whole number and then adding the numerator. So using the mixed number introduced above you would write the following equation: 8 X 2 + 7. This will be your new numerator.

3. Rewrite your improper fraction with the new numerator on top and your existing denominator on the bottom. Your new fraction is 23/8.

4. Divide your numerator by your denominator. Add a decimal point after the whole number and continue to divide by adding zero’s after the decimal as needed. Your answer in this case is 2.875, which can be rounded up to 2.88.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and do one step at a time so you do not make errors

• Check your division by using multiplication

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish