Convert Mixed Number 6½ to Decimal: Step-by-Step Solution

Q: Why can't I just ignore the whole number part?

The whole number is part of the value! A mixed number like $ 6\frac{1}{2} $ means 6 AND a half more, not just the half by itself.

Q: What if the fraction doesn't convert to a nice decimal?

Some fractions like $ \frac{1}{3} $ give repeating decimals (0.333...). You can either use the repeating decimal or keep it as a mixed number depending on what the problem asks for.

Q: Is there a faster way to convert mixed numbers?

Yes! You can think of it as: whole number + (numerator ÷ denominator). So $ 6\frac{1}{2} $ = 6 + (1 ÷ 2) = 6 + 0.5 = 6.5.

Q: How do I know if 6.5 is really correct?

Check by converting back! 6.5 = 6 + 0.5, and 0.5 = $ \frac{1}{2} $, so 6.5 = $ 6\frac{1}{2} $ ✓

Q: What's the difference between 6½ and 6.5?

They're the same value written in different forms! $ 6\frac{1}{2} $ is the mixed number form, while 6.5 is the decimal form. Both represent six and one half.

Mixed Number Conversion with Simple Fractions

$6\frac{1}{2}=$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 First, let's change our number into a decimal fraction.

00:07 Next, we'll split it into a whole number and a fraction part.

00:12 To convert this fraction into a decimal, we'll adjust the bottom number, called the denominator, to 10.

00:26 Now, let's convert this fraction to a decimal fraction.

00:31 It's time to add them together.

00:45 And that's how we find the solution to this question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$6\frac{1}{2}=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's convert the fraction in the mixed number to decimal:

Step 1: Convert the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ to a decimal.
This is simply done by dividing 1 by 2:
$\frac{1}{2} = 1 \div 2 = 0.5$ .
Step 2: Combine this result with the whole number part of the mixed number.
Thus, the mixed number $6\frac{1}{2}$ becomes:
$6 + 0.5$ .
Step 3: Add them together:
$6 + 0.5 = 6.5$ .

Therefore, the decimal equivalent of the mixed number $6\frac{1}{2}$ is $6.5$ .

Final Answer

$6.5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Mixed numbers equal whole number plus fraction part
Technique: Convert $\frac{1}{2}$ by dividing 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
Check: Verify 6.5 = 6 + 0.5 and $\frac{1}{2}$ = 0.5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Converting only the fraction without adding the whole number
Don't just convert $\frac{1}{2}$ = 0.5 and stop there! This gives 0.5 instead of 6.5, missing the whole number completely. Always add the whole number part to the decimal fraction: 6 + 0.5 = 6.5.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Convert into fraction form:

$$ 0.38= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just ignore the whole number part?

The whole number is part of the value! A mixed number like $6\frac{1}{2}$ means 6 AND a half more, not just the half by itself.

What if the fraction doesn't convert to a nice decimal?

Some fractions like $\frac{1}{3}$ give repeating decimals (0.333...). You can either use the repeating decimal or keep it as a mixed number depending on what the problem asks for.

Is there a faster way to convert mixed numbers?

Yes! You can think of it as: whole number + (numerator ÷ denominator). So $6\frac{1}{2}$ = 6 + (1 ÷ 2) = 6 + 0.5 = 6.5.

How do I know if 6.5 is really correct?

Check by converting back! 6.5 = 6 + 0.5, and 0.5 = $\frac{1}{2}$ , so 6.5 = $6\frac{1}{2}$ ✓

What's the difference between 6½ and 6.5?

They're the same value written in different forms! $6\frac{1}{2}$ is the mixed number form, while 6.5 is the decimal form. Both represent six and one half.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Decimal Fractions - Basic questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime