What is 0.17142142142... as a Fraction?

0.17142 equals 6853996 as a fraction.

How do you turn 0.17142 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 0.17142 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 0.17142 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (142) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (17). Multiply both sides by 10⁵ = 100000.

100000 × n = 17142.142 (equation 2)

Step 3: Now subtract equation 1 from equation 2 to cancel the repeating block (or repetend) out.

100000 × n = 17142.142
   100 × n = 0.17142
 99900 × n = 17125

1712599900 could be the answer, but it still can be put in the simplest form, i.e., reduced.

To simplify this fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by 25 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 1712599900 = 17125 ÷ 2599900 ÷ 25 = 6853996. So,

0.17142 = 6853996 as the lowest possible fraction.

The repeating decimal 0.17142 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 0.17142142142... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 0.17142142142142142 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 0.17142 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 685 as the numerator and 3996 as the denominator. So, it is a rational number (named after ratio). It can be shown that a number is rational if its decimal representation is repeating or terminating.

(*) At present, there is no single universally accepted notation or phrasing for repeating decimals.