Quick Answer: 1/2 as a decimal is 0.5.
It is a terminating decimal, meaning it ends and does not repeat.
What Is 1/2 as a Decimal?
To convert the fraction 1/2 into decimal form, divide the numerator by the denominator:
1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
The decimal 0.5 is exact and finite, making it one of the simplest and most commonly used decimal conversions.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert 1/2 Into a Decimal
Method 1: Direct Division
Divide the numerator by the denominator:
1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
Method 2: Convert the Fraction to Tenths
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 5:
1 × 5 = 5
2 × 5 = 10
So the fraction becomes:
5/10 = 0.5
See how 0.5 as a fraction is written and simplified.
How to Verify That 1/2 = 0.5
Method 1: Multiply Back
0.5 × 2 = 1
This confirms the decimal conversion is correct.
Method 2: Prime Factor Rule
The denominator 2 contains only the prime factor 2, so the decimal must terminate.
Method 3: Calculator Check
Dividing 1 by 2 on any calculator gives 0.5 exactly.
Is 1/2 a Terminating or Repeating Decimal?
1/2 is a terminating decimal.
Why?
A fraction converts to a terminating decimal if its denominator has only 2 and/or 5 as prime factors.
Since the denominator here is 2, the decimal ends naturally.
Understanding the Size of 1/2
The decimal 0.5 means:
- The value is less than 1
- It represents half of a whole
- It is equal to 50%
Fraction, Decimal, and Percentage Forms
| Form | Value |
| Fraction | 1/2 |
| Decimal | 0.5 |
| Percentage | 50% |
To convert to a percentage:
0.5 × 100 = 50%
Real-Life Examples and Uses of 1/2
In real life, people commonly use 0.5 or “half”, while 1/2 appears in fractions, rules, and explanations.
1. Time Measurement
Half an hour equals 0.5 hours, which is 30 minutes.
2. Discounts and Sales
A 50% discount means the price is reduced by 1/2.
3. Food and Recipes
Using 1/2 cup of an ingredient equals 0.5 cups, often used in scaled recipes.
4. Probability Basics
If an event has a 1 out of 2 chance, the probability is 0.5.
5. Academic Grading
Scoring 1/2 of the total marks equals 50%, commonly expressed as 0.5 in calculations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing 0.05 instead of 0.5
- ❌ Assuming the decimal repeats
- ❌ Confusing 0.5 with 5%
- ❌ Rounding when an exact value exists
Because 0.5 is exact, it should always be written as shown.
FAQs About 1/2 as a Decimal
Is 1/2 a terminating decimal?
Yes. 1/2 equals 0.5, which is a terminating decimal.
Can 1/2 be written exactly as a decimal?
Yes. The decimal 0.5 is exact.
Why does 1/2 not repeat?
Because the denominator contains only the prime factor 2.
What is 1/2 as a percentage?
It equals 50%.
Final Answer Summary
- 1/2 as a decimal = 0.5
- It is a terminating decimal
- The value is exact and non-repeating
- Commonly used in time, discounts, probability, and everyday calculations
