Convert Mixed Number 5⅕ to a Decimal: Step-by-Step Solution

Q: Why can't I just add the 1 to the 5?

Because $ \frac{1}{5} $ doesn't equal 1! The fraction bar means division, so you must calculate 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2 first, then add to get 5.2.

Q: How do I remember which number goes where in the division?

For any fraction $ \frac{a}{b} $, always divide the top number by the bottom number: a ÷ b. So $ \frac{1}{5} $ = 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2.

Q: What if the division doesn't come out evenly?

That's normal! Many fractions create repeating decimals like $ \frac{1}{3} $ = 0.333... Just use enough decimal places for your answer or round as instructed.

Q: Is there a shortcut for common fractions?

Yes! Memorize these common ones: $ \frac{1}{2} $ = 0.5, $ \frac{1}{4} $ = 0.25, $ \frac{1}{5} $ = 0.2, $ \frac{3}{4} $ = 0.75. This saves time on tests!

Mixed Numbers with Fractional Conversion

$5\frac{1}{5}=$

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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 Break down into whole number and fraction

00:06 We'll convert from fraction to decimal fraction, for this we want the denominator to be 10

00:27 Now let's convert to decimal fraction

00:30 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

$5\frac{1}{5}=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the given mixed number: $5\frac{1}{5}$ .
Step 2: Convert the fractional part $\frac{1}{5}$ into a decimal by performing the division $1 \div 5$ .
Step 3: Add the resulting decimal to the integer part 5.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us the mixed number $5\frac{1}{5}$ .
Step 2: To convert $\frac{1}{5}$ to a decimal, calculate $1 \div 5 = 0.2$ .
Step 3: Combine this decimal with the integer part: $5 + 0.2 = 5.2$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $5.2$ .

Final Answer

$5.2$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Mixed numbers have whole and fractional parts combined
Technique: Divide numerator by denominator: 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2
Check: Convert back: 5.2 = 5 + 0.2 = $5\frac{1}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding the numerator directly to the whole number
Don't add 5 + 1 = 6! This ignores the denominator and gives a completely wrong answer. The fraction 1/5 must be converted to decimal first (0.2), then added to get 5.2.

Practice Quiz

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the 1 to the 5?

Because $\frac{1}{5}$ doesn't equal 1! The fraction bar means division, so you must calculate 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2 first, then add to get 5.2.

How do I remember which number goes where in the division?

For any fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ , always divide the top number by the bottom number: a ÷ b. So $\frac{1}{5}$ = 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2.

What if the division doesn't come out evenly?

That's normal! Many fractions create repeating decimals like $\frac{1}{3}$ = 0.333... Just use enough decimal places for your answer or round as instructed.

Is there a shortcut for common fractions?

Yes! Memorize these common ones: $\frac{1}{2}$ = 0.5, $\frac{1}{4}$ = 0.25, $\frac{1}{5}$ = 0.2, $\frac{3}{4}$ = 0.75. This saves time on tests!

How can I check if my decimal is right?

Multiply your decimal by the original denominator. For 0.2 × 5 = 1, which matches our numerator! This confirms $\frac{1}{5}$ = 0.2 is correct.

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