[GraceK]

Yep, agree that it is meant to be simplified and then converted. We also did a lot of work on converting some of the more common fractions in decimals, like 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/8 and 1/10. Most of the kids did not remember that 1/8 = 12.5%, but there were a few that remembered 1/8 was 1/2 of 1/4, and 1/4 was 25%, so 1/8 must be half of that.... I was impressed they figured that out!

But, agree with other poster. I teach the kids (who all get calculators on state tests) that the line in a fraction actually signifies "divided by" so 6/8 is actually the same as 6 divided by 8, and the decimal can be found that way as well. I try to teach them many ways to find the decimals so they have options. Some kids understand one way better than another.