What is 4.20461461461... as a Fraction?

4.20461 equals 42004199900 as a fraction.

How do you turn 4.20461 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 4.20461 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 4.20461 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (461) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (20). Multiply both sides by 10⁵ = 100000.

100000 × n = 420461.461 (equation 2)

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

100000 × n = 420461.461
   100 × n = 4.20461
 99900 × n = 420041

n = 42004199900 (answer)

4.20461 = 42004199900 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 42004199900 is also equal to 42044199900 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 4.20461 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 4.20461461461... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 4.20461461461461461 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 4.20461 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 420041 as the numerator and 99900 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.