To convert a fraction to a decimal, you simply divide the numerator (the top number) by the denominator (the bottom number).

Steps:

1. Identify the Numerator and Denominator: In the fraction $\frac{a}{b}$, $a$ is the numerator, and $b$ is the denominator.
2. Divide: Perform the division $a \div b$.

Example:

Convert $\frac{3}{4}$ to a decimal: $3 \div 4 = 0.75$ So, $\frac{3}{4} = 0.75$ as a decimal.

Special Cases:

• If the numerator is smaller than the denominator: The result will be a decimal less than 1 (e.g., $\frac{2}{5} = 0.4$).
• If the division doesn't end: You may get a repeating decimal (e.g., $\frac{1}{3} = 0.333\ldots$, often written as $0.\overline{3}$).

Key Points:

• Use a calculator for more complex divisions.
• Some fractions may result in a repeating or terminating decimal.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

1. How do you convert a repeating decimal back into a fraction?
2. How do you convert an improper fraction to a decimal?
3. What is the decimal form of $\frac{7}{8}$?
4. How can you estimate a fraction's decimal value without a calculator?
5. How do you compare fractions by converting them to decimals?

Tip:

When dealing with repeating decimals, use a bar over the repeating digits to indicate that the pattern continues indefinitely.