How do I work out how a number is written in fraction form, if it is a reoccurring decimal?


If I have a reocurring decimal I use a special trick to work it out as a fraction. The trick is to try and cancel out the reocurring bit by multiplying by 10 several times and then using subtraction.
E.g. 7.999999... where 9 is reocurring.First define x as the decimal we are interested in. x=7.999..Next we would multiply x by 10 to get 10x=79.99999...We do this because we know that subtracting x from 10x would cancel out the reocurring bit to give 9x=79-7=72.If 9x=72, then dividing everything by 9 gives x=72/9.

JD
Answered by Jasmin D. Maths tutor

3207 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Work out 70% of 140 (Non-calculator)


I'm struggling with quadratic equations


Callum mixes a drink such that the Fruit Juice and Water is a ratio of 1:4 respectively. Calculate how much of both the Fruit Juice and the Water Callum will need in order to make 2 litres of juice. (Water: ____ml, Fruit Juice: ____ml )


Rearrange "(6y-30)/5 = 2x+(12/5)" so it reads "y = ... ". Sketch this line and label where it meets the axes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning