Solution: 42 1/2 as a decimal is 42.5MethodsFirst step – Making the fraction improper:The first step to changing 42 1/2 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 42 by 2 and add its product to 1 in the numerator to get: 85/2. Now we will attempt to convert 85/2 to a decimal using the following method:Explanation using the division method:One method to convert 85/2 to a decimal is by using the division method. Before we move ahead to the method, here is a quick recap on fractions: A fraction is a number representation that is broken down into two parts - the number on top is called the numerator, and the number on the bottom is called the denominator. To get a decimal using the division method, simply divide the numerator 85 by the denominator 2:85 (numerator) ÷ 2 (denominator) = 42.5And there you go! We got 42.5 as the answer when you convert 42 1/2 (or 85/2) to a decimal.Practice more problems!All it takes to be better at something is some practice! Take a look at some more similar problems on converting fractions to decimals and give them a go:What is 13 71/5 as a decimal?What is 4 14/30 as a decimal?What is 5 15/24 as a decimal?What is 4 17/27 as a decimal?