Fractions to decimals

Hello, and welcome to Myriora Maths! One quarter, and zero point two five. They're the same number, written two ways! Let's see how to turn a fraction into a decimal.

The easiest fractions have ten or a hundred on the bottom. Three tenths is zero point three. Twenty-seven hundredths is zero point two seven.

If the bottom isn't ten or a hundred, try to make it one. Three fifths, times two on the top and the bottom, is six tenths: zero point six. One quarter, times twenty-five on the top and the bottom, is twenty-five hundredths: zero point two five.

But what about one eighth? Remember, a fraction is a division: one eighth is one divided by eight. Write one as one point zero zero zero, and divide. Eight into ten goes once, remainder two. Eight into twenty goes twice, remainder four. Eight into forty goes five times. So one eighth is zero point one two five!

Some fractions never stop. One third is one divided by three: zero point three three three, and the threes go on for ever! We say it recurs.

Some are worth learning by heart. One half is zero point five. One quarter is zero point two five, and three quarters is zero point seven five. One fifth is zero point two. And one eighth is zero point one two five.

Let's try one together. What is two fifths as a decimal? Say it out loud!

Times two on the top and the bottom: four tenths. That's zero point four!

Here's a question that catches lots of people. What is one quarter as a decimal? Some people say zero point four, because of the four on the bottom. But one quarter is one divided by four: zero point two five!

Your turn! What is three eighths as a decimal? Pick the right card. You've got twenty seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! One eighth is zero point one two five. Three eighths is three times that: zero point three seven five!

Quick review. Tenths and hundredths go straight into decimals. Otherwise, try to make the bottom ten or a hundred. Any fraction is the top divided by the bottom. And some, like one third, recur for ever. See you next time!