When working with converting common fractions to decimals it is helpful to think of the fractions as parts of a dollar. We know that 1/2 of a dollar = 50 cents and that 50 cents may be written as $0.50. Therefore 1/2 = 0.5 or 0.50. We know that a quarter, or 1/4 of a dollar = 25 cents and that 25 cents may be written as $0.25. The decimal for 2/4 is , twice as big as the decimal for 1/4, so 2/4 = 1/2 = 0.5 or 0.50. The decimal for 3/4 is 3 times as large as the decimal for 1/4, so 3/4 = 0.75.
1/2 = 0.5 = 0.50 1/4 = 0.25 2/4 = 1/2 = 0.5 = 0.50 3/4 = 0.75
Since the fraction 1/8 is half of 1/4, the decimal for 1/8 is half of the decimal for 1/4. The decimal for 1/4 = 0.25 but it appears difficult to 'cut in half' the decimal 0.25 so we rewrite 0.25 as 0.250. Now it appears easy to find a half of 0.250 (consider half of 200 and half of 50) which is 0.125. So 1/8 = 0.125. Now, we need to find the decimal for the other eighths. The fraction 2/8 = 1/4 which is 0.25. The fraction 3/8 is 3 times the decimal for 1/8, so 3/8 = 0.375. The decimal for 4/8 = 2/4 = 1/2 = 0.5 = 0.50. The same pattern follows and looks like this: 5/8 = 0.625, 6/8 = 0.75 and 7/8 = 0.875.
In this problem set you will identify the decimal equivalents for halves, fourths and eighths. Strive for ease of knowing the equivalents and then strive for speed. Good luck and enjoy the challenge!