What is 5.14285285285... as a Fraction?

5.14285 equals 17125733300 as a fraction.

How do you turn 5.14285 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 5.14285 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 5.14285 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 3 digits in the repeating block (285) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (14). Multiply both sides by 10⁵ = 100000.

100000 × n = 514285.285 (equation 2)

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

100000 × n = 514285.285
   100 × n = 5.14285
 99900 × n = 513771

51377199900 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 = 51377199900 = 513771 ÷ 399900 ÷ 3 = 17125733300. So,

5.14285 = 17125733300 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 17125733300 is also equal to 5475733300 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 5.14285 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 3. It is also represented as 5.14285285285... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 5.14285285285285285 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 5.14285 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 171257 as the numerator and 33300 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.