Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Chap 2: Real Numbers - Rational Numbers

The following fractions share a common denominator: 1/6, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6.


1/6 is a recurring decimal. 


Janice concluded that all other fractions with denominator are also recurring decimals.


No, I do not agree. Some of the fractions with the same denominator (6) can be simplified . After simplifying some of these fractions, the decimal value for these fractions stop at a point which is terminating decimals.


Eg: 3/30 = 0.1   This not a recurring decimal as the decimals to not repeat.
       
        1/30 = 0.33333333333333333
               = 0.3( with a dot on top of the number '3'.)
The two fractions above share the same denominator but both fractions belongs to different categories. 
           
3/6 can be simplified as 1/2. 1/2=0.5 ( Terminating Decimal)
6/6 can be simplified as 1.   1=1( Neither- Whole Number)

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