What is 17.123888... as a Fraction?

17.1238 equals 308231800 as a fraction.

How do you turn 17.1238 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 17.1238 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 17.1238 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (8) and 3 digits in the non-repeating part (123). Multiply both sides by 10⁴ = 10000.

10000 × n = 171238.8 (equation 2)

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

10000 × n = 171238.8
 1000 × n = 17.1238
 9000 × n = 154115

1541159000 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 5 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 1541159000 = 154115 ÷ 59000 ÷ 5 = 308231800. So,

17.1238 = 308231800 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 308231800 is also equal to 172231800 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 17.1238 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 17.123888... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 17.12388888 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 17.1238 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 30823 as the numerator and 1800 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.