To convert a fraction to a decimal, we simply need to divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number). In this case, we want to convert 1/5 to a decimal.
What is 1/5 as a decimal?
Step 1: Divide 1 by 5
To do this, you can use long division or a calculator. If you use long division, you would write 1 as the dividend and 5 as the divisor, and then divide as you normally would. However, since this is a simple division problem, you can also use a calculator. When you divide 1 by 5, you get 0.2.
Step 2: Write the decimal as a fraction
To write a decimal as a fraction, you need to identify the place value of the last digit. In this case, the last digit is in the tenths place. So, the decimal 0.2 can be written as 2/10.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction
To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator, and then divide both by that number. In this case, the GCF of 2 and 10 is 2. When you divide both 2 and 10 by 2, you get 1 and 5 respectively. So, the simplified fraction is 1/5.
Therefore, 1/5 as a decimal is 0.2.
One important thing to note is that when we convert a fraction to a decimal, we may end up with a terminating decimal (a decimal with a finite number of digits after the decimal point) or a repeating decimal (a decimal with a pattern of digits that repeats indefinitely).
In this case, 1/5 is a terminating decimal because the division result ends after the first decimal place. However, not all fractions will be terminating decimals when converted.
In conclusion, to convert a fraction to a decimal, we divide the numerator by the denominator. In this case, 1/5 as a decimal is 0.2.