What is 38.123... as a Fraction?

38.123 equals 11437300 as a fraction.

How do you turn 38.123 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 38.123 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 38.123 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (3) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (12). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 38123.3 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 38123.3
 100 × n = 38.123
 900 × n = 34311

34311900 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 3 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 34311900 = 34311 ÷ 3900 ÷ 3 = 11437300. So,

38.123 = 11437300 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 11437300 is also equal to 3837300 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 38.123 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 38.12333... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 38.1233333 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 38.123 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 11437 as the numerator and 300 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.