What is 16.2142142142... as a Fraction?

16.2142 equals 16198999 as a fraction.

How do you turn 16.2142 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 16.2142 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 16.2142 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (142) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (2). Multiply both sides by 10⁴ = 10000.

10000 × n = 162142.142 (equation 2)

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

10000 × n = 162142.142
   10 × n = 16.2142
 9990 × n = 161980

1619809990 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 10 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 1619809990 = 161980 ÷ 109990 ÷ 10 = 16198999. So,

16.2142 = 16198999 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 16198999 is also equal to 16214999 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 16.2142 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 16.2142142142... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 16.2142142142142142 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 16.2142 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 16198 as the numerator and 999 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.