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In Mathematics / Middle School | 2014-08-11

A classmate says that 0.285714 repeating is not a rational number because it does not terminate. Explain her error.

Asked by Josarah

Answer (3)

A number that is repeated periodically is an irrational number! Error lies in the fact that if we have a decimal value and a string repeat it (at some time) it is an irrational number, that is, it can not be represented as a fraction. It is scientifically proven.

Answered by MattD | 2024-06-10

It is a rational number because it can be put into a fraction using ordinary whole numbers.
On the other hand a fraction containing ordinary whole numbers isn't available for pi. Therefore, pi is irrational.

Answered by Anonymous | 2024-06-10

The student's claim that 0.285714 repeating is not a rational number is incorrect because repeating decimals are rational numbers. They can be expressed as a fraction, showing that they meet the definition of rationality. Therefore, 0.285714 repeating can be written as 111 31 ​ , confirming its rational nature.
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Answered by MattD | 2024-10-16