What is 5.261538153815381538... as a Fraction?

5.261538 equals 1315253249975 as a fraction.

How do you turn 5.261538 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 5.261538 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 5.261538 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there are 4 digits in the repeating block (1538) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (26). Multiply both sides by 10⁶ = 1000000.

1000000 × n = 5261538.1538 (equation 2)

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

1000000 × n = 5261538.1538
    100 × n = 5.261538
 999900 × n = 5261012

5261012999900 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 4 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 5261012999900 = 5261012 ÷ 4999900 ÷ 4 = 1315253249975. So,

5.261538 = 1315253249975 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 1315253249975 is also equal to 565378249975 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 5.261538 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 4. It is also represented as 5.26153815381538... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 5.2615381538153815381538 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 5.261538 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 1315253 as the numerator and 249975 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.