Convert Fraction to Decimal: Solving 5/10 Step by Step

Q: Why do I move the decimal point left when dividing by 10?

Dividing by 10 makes numbers smaller, so the decimal point moves left. Think of it as: $ 5 \div 10 = 0.5 $, which is half of 5!

Q: What if the fraction doesn't have 10 in the denominator?

You can still convert! Either use long division or try to rewrite the fraction with a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, etc. For example: $ \frac{1}{4} = \frac{25}{100} = 0.25 $

Q: Do I always need the zero before the decimal point?

Yes! Writing 0.5 is clearer than just .5. The zero shows there are no whole number parts and makes your answer easier to read.

Q: How can I check if my decimal is correct?

Multiply your decimal by the original denominator. For $ \frac{5}{10} = 0.5 $, check: 0.5 × 10 = 5 ✓

Q: What if I get a long decimal that doesn't end?

Some fractions create repeating decimals like $ \frac{1}{3} = 0.333... $. That's normal! Just round to the number of decimal places your teacher asks for.

Fraction to Decimal with Denominators of 10

Write the following fraction as a decimal:

$\frac{5}{10}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Convert to decimal fraction

00:03 In a decimal fraction, take the numerator as a number

00:07 According to the denominator, move the decimal point

00:11 When the denominator equals 10, move the decimal point once to the left

00:14 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Write the following fraction as a decimal:

$\frac{5}{10}=$

Step-by-step solution

Write the simple fraction in decimal form

$5.0$

Since the fraction is divided by 10, move the decimal point one place to the left and get:

$.5$

Complete the zero to the left of the decimal point and get:

$0.5$

Final Answer

0.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Decimal Rule: Dividing by 10 moves decimal point one place left
Technique: Convert 5 ÷ 10 by moving decimal in 5.0 left once
Check: Multiply back: 0.5 × 10 = 5.0 which equals original numerator ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Writing 5.0 instead of 0.5
Don't just write the numerator with a decimal point = 5.0! This ignores the division by 10 and gives a completely wrong answer. Always move the decimal point left when dividing by powers of 10.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

How much of the whole does the shaded area (blue) represent?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I move the decimal point left when dividing by 10?

Dividing by 10 makes numbers smaller, so the decimal point moves left. Think of it as: $5 \div 10 = 0.5$ , which is half of 5!

What if the fraction doesn't have 10 in the denominator?

You can still convert! Either use long division or try to rewrite the fraction with a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, etc. For example: $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{25}{100} = 0.25$

Do I always need the zero before the decimal point?

Yes! Writing 0.5 is clearer than just .5. The zero shows there are no whole number parts and makes your answer easier to read.

How can I check if my decimal is correct?

Multiply your decimal by the original denominator. For $\frac{5}{10} = 0.5$ , check: 0.5 × 10 = 5 ✓

What if I get a long decimal that doesn't end?

Some fractions create repeating decimals like $\frac{1}{3} = 0.333...$ . That's normal! Just round to the number of decimal places your teacher asks for.

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