What is 72.17555... as a Fraction?

72.175 equals 32479450 as a fraction.

How do you turn 72.175 repeating into a fraction?

Detailed Answer:

Step 1: To convert 72.175 repeating into a fraction, begin writing this simple equation:

n = 72.175 (equation 1)

Step 2: Notice that there is 1 digit in the repeating block (5) and 2 digits in the non-repeating part (17). Multiply both sides by 10³ = 1000.

1000 × n = 72175.5 (equation 2)

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

1000 × n = 72175.5
 100 × n = 72.175
 900 × n = 64958

64958900 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 2 (the GCF - greatest common factor).

n = 64958900 = 64958 ÷ 2900 ÷ 2 = 32479450. So,

72.175 = 32479450 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 32479450 is also equal to 7279450 when expressed as a mixed number.

The repeating decimal 72.175 (vinculum notation) has a repeated block length of 1. It is also represented as 72.17555... (ellipsis notation) which equals approximately 72.1755555 (decimal approximation)(*).

The recurring decimal 72.175 can be written as a ratio of two integers having 32479 as the numerator and 450 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.