What is 15.7285285285... as a Fraction?

15.7285 equals 261881665 as a fraction.

How do you turn 15.7285 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 15.7285 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 15.7285 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (285) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (7). Multiply both sides by 10⁴ = 10000.

10000 × n = 157285.285 (equation 2)

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

10000 × n = 157285.285
   10 × n = 15.7285
 9990 × n = 157128

1571289990 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 6 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 1571289990 = 157128 ÷ 69990 ÷ 6 = 261881665. So,

15.7285 = 261881665 as the lowest possible fraction.

As the numerator is greater than the denominator, we have an improper fraction, so we can also express it as a mixed number, thus 261881665 is also equal to 1512131665 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 15.7285 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 15.7285285285... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 15.7285285285285285 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 15.7285 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 26188 as the numerator and 1665 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.