What is 5.231428142814281428... as a Fraction?

5.231428 equals 34872766660 as a fraction.

How do you turn 5.231428 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 5.231428 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 5.231428 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 4 digits in the repeating block (1428) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (23). Multiply both sides by 10⁶ = 1000000.

1000000 × n = 5231428.1428 (equation 2)

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

1000000 × n = 5231428.1428
    100 × n = 5.231428
 999900 × n = 5230905

5230905999900 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 15 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 5230905999900 = 5230905 ÷ 15999900 ÷ 15 = 34872766660. So,

5.231428 = 34872766660 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 34872766660 is also equal to 51542766660 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 5.231428 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 4. It is also represented as 5.23142814281428... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 5.2314281428142814281428 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 5.231428 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 348727 as the numerator and 66660 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.