What is 55.176... as a Fraction?

55.176 equals 16553300 as a fraction.

How do you turn 55.176 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 55.176 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 55.176 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (6) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (17). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 55176.6 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 55176.6
 100 × n = 55.176
 900 × n = 49659

49659900 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 = 49659900 = 49659 ÷ 3900 ÷ 3 = 16553300. So,

55.176 = 16553300 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 16553300 is also equal to 5553300 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 55.176 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 55.17666... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 55.1766666 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 55.176 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 16553 as the numerator and 300 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.