What is 17.8142142142... as a Fraction?

17.8142 equals 889824995 as a fraction.

How do you turn 17.8142 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 17.8142 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 17.8142 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (142) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (8). Multiply both sides by 10⁴ = 10000.

10000 × n = 178142.142 (equation 2)

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

10000 × n = 178142.142
   10 × n = 17.8142
 9990 × n = 177964

1779649990 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 2 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 1779649990 = 177964 ÷ 29990 ÷ 2 = 889824995. So,

17.8142 = 889824995 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 889824995 is also equal to 1740674995 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 17.8142 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 17.8142142142... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 17.8142142142142142 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 17.8142 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 88982 as the numerator and 4995 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.