Mixed numbers combine whole numbers and fractions, but sometimes you need to express them as decimals. So, how do you convert 3 7/8 into its decimal equivalent?
It’s actually pretty easy, and there are a few different ways to do it. We’ll walk you through the simplest methods below, showing you how to easily convert 3 7/8 in decimal form.
How to convert 3 7/8 to a decimal
One way to convert a mixed number like 3 7/8 to a decimal is to use division.
First, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction
To begin, we’ll convert the mixed number 3 7/8 into an improper fraction.
Start by multiplying the whole number (3) by the denominator (8):
3 8 = 24
Then, add the numerator (7) to the result:
24 + 7 = 31
Now we know that the improper fraction is 31/8.
Now, perform the division
Next, we’ll divide the numerator (31) by the denominator (8):
31 ÷ 8 = 3.875
So, 3 7/8 = 3.875
Method 2: Converting the fractional part to a decimal
Another way to approach this problem is to remember that a mixed number like 3 7/8 is just the whole number 3 plus the fraction 7/8. So, if you can convert 7/8 to a decimal, you’re golden.
To convert 7/8 to a decimal, you have to divide the numerator (7) by the denominator (8):
7 ÷ 8 = 0.875
Now, combine the whole number (3) with the decimal equivalent of the fraction (0.875):
3 + 0.875 = 3.875
As you can see, you arrive at the same answer, 3.875, using both methods.
Another way to find the decimal
You can also try to convert the fraction to have a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, or any power of 10. To do this, you need to multiply both the top and bottom numbers by the same amount.
For 7/8, you can multiply both numbers by 125, since 8 x 125 = 1000. So:
7/8 = (7 x 125) / (8 x 125) = 875/1000
875/1000 is the same as 0.875. Add the whole number 3, and you get 3.875.
In Closing
We’ve explored a couple of ways to turn the mixed number 3 7/8 into a decimal. You can divide 7 by 8 and add the result to 3. Or you can find an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 1000 and then rewrite the numerator as a decimal.
However you do it, 3 7/8 is equal to 3.875. Knowing how to convert fractions to decimals is a handy skill in all sorts of math problems and everyday situations.