How do I make fractions into decimals?

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Question from jay, a student:

Hi,
I wanted to know how do I make fractions into decimals example 1 3/8?

Hi Jay,

let me illustrate with a different mixed number $ 3 \frac57 .$

First express the mixed number as an improper fraction so

\[3 \frac57 = \frac{21}{7} + \frac57 = \frac{26}7 .\]

To express this improper fraction as a decimal divide the denominator into the numerator. I got

\[\frac{26}7 = 3.71428571...\]

Penny

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