Question

What is $2\dfrac{1}{8}$ as a decimal ?

Answer 1

Hint: For these kinds of questions, we should be aware of the different kinds of fraction. Fractions are the terms used to determine the parts of a whole object. There are three major types of fractions. They are proper fraction, improper fraction, mixed fraction. We should know how to convert the given fraction into an improper fraction. and then divide the numerator with the denominator to get it in the decimal form. The type of fraction given in the question is called mixed fraction. It has two parts.

Complete step by step solution:
A fraction has two parts. The number on top is called the numerator and the lower number is called denominator.
Proper Fractions are the fractions where the numerator is less than the denominator. For example : $\dfrac{3}{5},\dfrac{1}{6}$ etc.
Improper Fractions are the fraction where the numerator is more than the denominator . For example : $\dfrac{4}{3},\dfrac{6}{5}$ etc.
Mixed Fractions are the fractions which are a combination of a natural number and a fraction. For example, we have a mixed fraction in the form $a\dfrac{b}{c}$ where $a$ is the natural part and $\dfrac{b}{c}$ is called the fractional part. Example : $2\dfrac{1}{8},3\dfrac{2}{5}$ etc.
We can convert the given mixed fraction of the form $a\dfrac{b}{c}$ by multiplying $a,c$and then adding $b$ to the product while keeping denominator $c$ constant.
$\Rightarrow a\dfrac{b}{c}=\dfrac{a\times c+b}{c}$
So now let us concert the given mixed fraction in the question in the same way.
$\Rightarrow 2\dfrac{1}{8}=\dfrac{2\times 8+1}{8}=\dfrac{17}{8}$
As we can see , we got an improper fraction after solving the given mixed fraction.
Now let us divide $17$ with $8$ to get the decimal form.
Upon doing so, we get the following :
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{17}{8}=2.125$

$\therefore $ $2\dfrac{1}{8}$ as a decimal is $2.125$

Note: It is important to know the different kinds of fractions and their definitions so as to be able to solve questions quickly in the exam. There are six kinds of fraction in total. But proper fractions, improper fractions and mixed fractions are the major fractions. We should be careful while multiplying and adding as it might lead to some calculations errors. Fractions alone would not be asked in exams. It would definitely be clubbed with some difficult concepts.