What is 3.18585... as a Fraction?

3.185 equals 1577495 as a fraction.

How do you turn 3.185 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 3.185 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 3.185 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 2 digits in the repeating block (85) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (1). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 3185.85 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 3185.85
  10 × n = 3.185
 990 × n = 3154

3154990 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 = 3154990 = 3154 ÷ 2990 ÷ 2 = 1577495. So,

3.185 = 1577495 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 1577495 is also equal to 392495 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 3.185 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 2. It is also represented as 3.1858585... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 3.18585858585 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 3.185 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 1577 as the numerator and 495 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.