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

To solve this problem, we'll convert the mixed number $6\frac{1}{2}$ into a decimal by addressing the fractional part:

Step 1: Convert $\frac{1}{2}$ to a decimal.

• Recall that $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$. This equivalence is well-known and straightforward because dividing 1 by 2 gives 0.5.
• Additionally, using the instruction to convert by bringing the denominator to 10 or 100, conceptually $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{5}{5} = \frac{5}{10} = 0.5$.

Step 2: Add the decimal equivalent of the fraction to the whole number part.

• The whole number part of the mixed number is 6.
• Combine the whole number part with the decimal form of the fraction: $6 + 0.5 = 6.5$.

Thus, the decimal representation of $6\frac{1}{2}$ is $6.5$.

As it pertains to the given answer choices, the correct choice is 2: $6.5$. This matches our derived answer.