What is 4.2 as a Fraction?

Learn how to convert 4.2 to a fraction with step-by-step instructions

Quick Answer

4.2 as a fraction is:

21/5

This is the simplest form of the fraction

4.2 Decimal to Fraction Calculator

Convert Any Decimal to a Fraction

Enter a decimal number to see its fraction equivalent

How to Convert 4.2 to a Fraction

General Method: Converting Decimals to Fractions

Follow these steps to convert any decimal to a fraction

Step 1: Count Decimal Places

Count the number of digits after the decimal point

Example: 0.25 has 2 decimal places

Step 2: Multiply by Power of 10

Multiply by 10 raised to the number of decimal places

0.25 × 100 = 25

Step 3: Create Fraction

Use the result as numerator over the multiplier as denominator

25/100

Step 4: Simplify

Reduce the fraction if possible by dividing both numbers by their GCD

25/100 = 1/4

Converting 4.2 to a Fraction

Let's apply the method to convert 4.2

1

Count the decimal places in 4.2

4.2
There is 1 digit after the decimal point
2

Multiply by 10 (10)

4.2 × 10 = 42
Moving the decimal point 1 place right
3

Write as a fraction

42/10
Numerator: 42, Denominator: 10
4

Simplify the fraction

42/10 = 21/5
Divide both numbers by their greatest common factor (2)

Final Result

4.2 = 21/5

Tips and Notes

  • The denominator will always be a power of 10 for terminating decimals
  • Each decimal place corresponds to multiplying by 10 (e.g., 1 places = 10)
  • Very small decimals like 4.2 often result in fractions with large denominators
DecimalFractionComparison
0.422.1/5Smaller
4.221/5Current Value
42210/5Larger
4202100/5Larger
420021000/5Larger

Additional Information

Scientific Notation

4.2 can be written as 21 × 10⁻1 in scientific notation

Percentage

4.2 is equal to 420.000% as a percentage

Common Calculations with 4.2

Quick Reference Guide

Common calculations and conversions with 4.2

Multiplication

  • 4.2 × 10 = 42
  • 4.2 × 100 = 420
  • 4.2 × 1000 = 4200
  • 4.2 × 10000 = 42000
  • 4.2 × 5 = 21

Division

  • 4.2 ÷ 2 = 2.1
  • 4.2 ÷ 5 = 0.8400000000000001
  • 4.2 ÷ 10 = 0.42000000000000004
  • 4.2 ÷ 1/4.2 = 5

4.2 in Different Number Systems

Decimal

4.2

Scientific Notation

21 × 10⁻1

Percentage

420.000%

Fraction

21/5

Parts Per Million

4200000 PPM

Binary

0.0010

Real-World Applications of 4.2

Where You Might Encounter 4.2

Scientific Applications

  • • Microscopic measurements (4200000 micrometers)
  • • Chemical concentrations
  • • Statistical probability calculations
  • • Error margins in precise measurements

Engineering

  • • Manufacturing tolerances
  • • Electronic component specifications
  • • Quality control measurements
  • • Precision engineering