What is 15.98666... as a Fraction?

15.986 equals 119975 as a fraction.

How do you turn 15.986 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 15.986 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 15.986 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (6) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (98). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 15986.6 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 15986.6
 100 × n = 15.986
 900 × n = 14388

14388900 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 12 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 14388900 = 14388 ÷ 12900 ÷ 12 = 119975. So,

15.986 = 119975 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 119975 is also equal to 157475 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 15.986 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 15.98666... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 15.9866666 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 15.986 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 1199 as the numerator and 75 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.