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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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5 1/2 as a Decimal

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

It is a simple question on decimal conversion. Firstly, we have to learn fractions and decimals. A fraction represents a part from the whole. It has two parts: numerator (number on the top) and denominator (number below). In the case of a mixed number like 5 1/2, we have a whole part (5) and a fractional part (1/2). A decimal is a way to represent numbers that are not whole, using a decimal point (.) to separate the whole part from the fraction part. The numbers to the left of the decimal point represent the whole, and those to the right represent the fractional part.

5 1/2 as a Decimal for Australian Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is 5 1/2 as a decimal?

5 1/2 as a decimal

 

Answer

 

5 1/2 in decimal form can be written as 5.5. This is a terminating decimal.

 

Explanation

 

To convert 5 1/2 to a decimal, we need to convert the fractional part 1/2 to a decimal and then add it to the whole number 5.

 

Let's see the step-by-step breakdown of the process:

 

Step 1: Identify the whole part and fractional part of the mixed number. Here, the whole part is 5, and the fractional part is 1/2.

 

Step 2: Convert the fractional part to a decimal. To convert 1/2 to a decimal, divide the numerator (1) by the denominator (2).

 

Step 3: 1 divided by 2 equals 0.5.

 

Step 4: Add the decimal obtained from the fractional part (0.5) to the whole part (5) to get the decimal form of the mixed number.

 

Step 5: Therefore, 5 + 0.5 equals 5.5. The decimal representation of 5 1/2 is 5.5, which is a terminating decimal.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for 5 1/2 as a decimal

  • Fraction: A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, representing a part of a whole.
     
  • Decimal: A number that uses the base ten and includes a decimal point to separate the whole part from the fractional part.
     
  • Mixed Number: A number consisting of a whole number and a fraction combined.
     
  • Terminating Decimal: A decimal that ends and does not repeat infinitely.
     
  • Division: The process of determining how many times one number is contained within another.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps in Australia

At BrightChamps, math questions are more than just exercises—they’re opportunities to grow and explore! Our mission is to help children across Australia develop important skills, including today’s focus on the 5 1/2 as a Decimal with special attention on decimal conversions—in a fun, lively, and easy-to-understand way. Whether your child is calculating the speed of a roller coaster at Luna Park Sydney, tracking scores at a local cricket match, or managing their allowance for the latest gadgets, strong math skills give them confidence for daily challenges. Our lessons are interactive and designed to be enjoyable. Since kids in Australia learn in various ways, we customize our teaching to meet their individual styles. From Sydney’s vibrant streets to the beautiful Gold Coast beaches, BrightChamps brings math to life, making it relatable and exciting throughout Australia. Let’s make decimal conversions a fun part of every child’s math journey!
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