What is 17.1571571571... as a Fraction?

17.1571 equals 17140999 as a fraction.

How do you turn 17.1571 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 17.1571 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 17.1571 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (571) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (1). Multiply both sides by 10⁴ = 10000.

10000 × n = 171571.571 (equation 2)

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

10000 × n = 171571.571
   10 × n = 17.1571
 9990 × n = 171400

1714009990 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 = 1714009990 = 171400 ÷ 109990 ÷ 10 = 17140999. So,

17.1571 = 17140999 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 17140999 is also equal to 17157999 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 17.1571 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 17.1571571571... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 17.1571571571571571 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 17.1571 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 17140 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.