What is 15.84242... as a Fraction?

15.842 equals 2614165 as a fraction.

How do you turn 15.842 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 15.842 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 15.842 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 2 digits in the repeating block (42) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (8). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 15842.42 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 15842.42
  10 × n = 15.842
 990 × n = 15684

15684990 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 = 15684990 = 15684 ÷ 6990 ÷ 6 = 2614165. So,

15.842 = 2614165 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 2614165 is also equal to 15139165 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 15.842 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 2. It is also represented as 15.8424242... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 15.84242424242 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 15.842 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 2614 as the numerator and 165 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.