How to Write a Mixed Number as a Decimal

A decimal contains a whole number and part of a whole number.

A mixed number contains a whole number and a fraction. A fraction is a part of a whole number and has a numerator over a denominator. For example, in the mixed number 3 1/10, 3 is the whole number and 1/10 is the fraction. A mixed number can be written as a decimal that contains the fraction on the right side of the decimal and the whole number on the left side of the decimal. For example, in the decimal 5.3, 5 is the whole number and 0.3 is equivalent to the fraction 3/10.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Use the calculator to divide the numerator by the denominator in the fraction portion of the mixed number. For example, in the mixed number 4 2/3, divide 2 by 3. This equals 0.6667.

2. Round the result to fewer decimal places. 0.6667 equals 0.67 to two decimal places.

3. Place the whole number on the left side of the decimal. This equals 4.67, which is 4 2/3 written as a decimal.

References

• Cliffs Notes: Mixed Numbers
• Mercer County Community College: The Relationship Among Fractions, Decimals and Percents