What is 42.15555... as a Fraction?

42.155 equals 189745 as a fraction.

How do you turn 42.155 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 42.155 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 42.155 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (5) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (15). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 42155.5 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 42155.5
 100 × n = 42.155
 900 × n = 37940

37940900 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 20 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 37940900 = 37940 ÷ 20900 ÷ 20 = 189745. So,

42.155 = 189745 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 189745 is also equal to 42745 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 42.155 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 42.15555... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 42.1555555 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 42.155 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 1897 as the numerator and 45 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.