Sectieoverzicht

  • Since all rational numbers can be written as fractions, this means that any rational number can be written in decimal form. 

    A rational number can be converted to either:

    A terminating decimal. For example, \( \frac{3}{4} = 0.75 \).

    OR

    A recurring decimal. For example,  \(\frac{4}{11}\)=\(0.\overline{36}\)

    We use a line drawn over the repeating block of numbers to show that those numbers are repeated.

    NOTE: You can write any rational number as a decimal number but not all decimal numbers are rational numbers.

    To check if you understand the difference between terminating and recurring decimals try the next exercise.

    • Leerlingen moeten
      Als voltooid aanduiden

      Exercise: What type of decimal?









    • Leerlingen moeten
      Als voltooid aanduiden

      Steps to convert a terminating decimal to a rational number

      These are the steps you can use to convert from a terminating decimal to a rational number.

      1. Rewrite the terminating decimal as a decimal divided by one.
      2. Multiply both numerator and denominator by \( 10 \) for every number after the decimal point in the numerator. (For example, if there are three numbers after the decimal point, then multiply by \( 1 000 \), if there are four then multiply by \( 10 000 \), and so on.)
      3. Simplify the fraction if possible.

      Watch the video for an example on how to convert a terminating decimal to a fraction.