Solution: 3 72/17 as a decimal is 7.24
Methods
First step – Making the fraction improper:
The first step to changing 3 72/17 into a decimal is to change it to an improper fraction. To do that, we need to multiply 3 by 17 and add its product to 72 in the numerator to get: 123/17. Now we will attempt to convert 123/17 to a decimal using the following method:
Explanation using the division method:
A fraction is usually split into two parts: the first part is the number on top, called the numerator; and the second part is the number on the bottom, called the denominator. These are both separated by a line called the “divisor line”. We can use the division method help to solve this question: to get a decimal, simply divide the numerator 123 by the denominator 17 (which you can enter in any calculator):
123 (numerator) ÷ 17 (denominator) = 7.24
And finally, you get 7.24 as your answer when you convert 3 72/17 (or 123/17) to a decimal.
Practice more conversion 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 2 31/45 as a decimal?
What is 4 8/27 as a decimal?
What is 3 7/42 as a decimal?
What is 32 35/2 as a decimal?