What is 3.21818... as a Fraction?

3.218 equals 17755 as a fraction.

How do you turn 3.218 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 3.218 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 3.218 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 2 digits in the repeating block (18) and 1 digit in the non-repeating part (2). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 3218.18 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 3218.18
  10 × n = 3.218
 990 × n = 3186

3186990 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 18 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 3186990 = 3186 ÷ 18990 ÷ 18 = 17755. So,

3.218 = 17755 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 17755 is also equal to 31255 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 3.218 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 2. It is also represented as 3.2181818... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 3.21818181818 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 3.218 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 177 as the numerator and 55 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.