Quick Answer: 3/5 as a decimal is 0.6.
It is a terminating decimal, meaning it ends and does not repeat.
What Is 3/5 as a Decimal?
To convert the fraction 3/5 into decimal form, divide the numerator by the denominator:
3 ÷ 5 = 0.6
The decimal 0.6 is exact and finite, so it can be used directly in calculations without rounding or approximation.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert 3/5 Into a Decimal
Method 1: Direct Division
Divide the numerator by the denominator:
3 ÷ 5 = 0.6
Method 2: Convert the Fraction to Tenths
Multiply both numerator and denominator by 2:
3 × 2 = 6
5 × 2 = 10
So the fraction becomes:
6/10 = 0.6
How to Verify That 3/5 = 0.6
Method 1: Multiply Back
0.6 × 5 = 3
This confirms the decimal conversion is correct.
Method 2: Prime Factor Rule
The denominator 5 contains only the prime factor 5, so the decimal must terminate.
Method 3: Calculator Check
Dividing 3 by 5 on any calculator gives 0.6 exactly.
Check the fraction form here: 0.6 as a Fraction
Is 3/5 a Terminating or Repeating Decimal?
3/5 is a terminating decimal.
Why?
A fraction converts to a terminating decimal when its denominator has only 2 and/or 5 as prime factors.
Since the denominator here is 5, the decimal ends naturally.
Understanding the Size of 3/5
The decimal 0.6 means:
- The value is less than 1
- It represents six-tenths of a whole
- It is equal to 60%
Fraction, Decimal, and Percentage Forms
| Form | Value |
| Fraction | 3/5 |
| Decimal | 0.6 |
| Percentage | 60% |
To convert to a percentage:
0.6 × 100 = 60%
Real-Life Examples and Uses of 3/5
In real situations, people usually use 0.6 or 60%, while 3/5 appears in ratios, rules, or intermediate steps.
1. Completion Rates
If 3 out of 5 tasks are completed, the completion rate is 0.6 or 60%.
2. Voting or Survey Results
When 3/5 of respondents agree with a statement, results are often reported as 60% approval.
3. Fuel or Battery Levels
A battery charged to 3/5 capacity is at 0.6, commonly shown as 60% on indicators.
4. Academic Scoring
Answering 3 out of 5 questions correctly gives a score of 0.6, used in performance analysis.
5. Probability and Ratios
In probability, an outcome occurring 3 times out of 5 has a probability of 0.6.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing 0.06 instead of 0.6
- ❌ Assuming the decimal repeats
- ❌ Forgetting to convert correctly to percentage
- ❌ Rounding when an exact value exists
Because 0.6 is exact, it should always be used as written.
FAQs About 3/5 as a Decimal
Is 3/5 a terminating decimal?
Yes. 3/5 equals 0.6, which is a terminating decimal.
Can 3/5 be written exactly as a decimal?
Yes. The decimal 0.6 is exact.
Why does 3/5 not repeat?
Because the denominator contains only the prime factor 5.
What is 3/5 as a percentage?
It equals 60%.
Final Answer Summary
- 3/5 as a decimal = 0.6
- It is a terminating decimal
- The value is exact and non-repeating
- Commonly used in percentages, ratios, and everyday calculations
