Convert the decimal expansion 0. into a rational number. (simplify

By assuming 0.177... as x and the simplifying equation we get decimal expression into rational form as 8/45

What are rational numbers ?

A number that can be expressed as the  p/q form where p and q are integer and  q is not equal to zero , is called rational number .

Given decimal expansion is 0.17777....

We can convert it into rational number as

Let

Multiply equation (1) by 10

Subtract equation (1) from equation (2)

By assuming 0.177... as x and the simplifying equation we get decimal expression into rational form as 8/45

To learn more about rational numbers visit :

The three dots after the 777 indicate that the pattern repeats forever. Specifically the 7s go on forever (the 1 does not repeat and its only listed one time)

Let
x = 0.1777...
The goal is to find the value of x in terms of a fraction of whole numbers (eg like 2/3 or 4/5)

The trick is to somehow get the decimal portion that goes on forever to go away. We will do this through subtraction. But first, we need to do a bit of side work.

Multiply both sides of the equation above by 10
x = 0.1777...
10*x = 10*0.1777...
10x = 1.777...
Notice how this moves the decimal over 1 spot to the right

Then go back to the original equation for x and multiply both sides by 100
x = 0.1777...
100*x = 100*0.1777...
100x = 17.777...
Now the decimal is moved over two spots to the right



In summary so far, we have 
10x = 1.777...
100x = 17.777...

If we subtract 100x - 10x then we'll have

100x - 10x = (17.777...) - (1.777...)
90x = 16

The decimal portion 777... cancels out when we subtract. This is because the terms line up perfectly and subtract to 0

The last few steps is to solve 90x = 16 for x. We divide both sides by 90 and then reduce as much as possible

90x = 16
90x/90 = 16/90
x = 16/90
x = 8/45

Therefore the final answer is the fraction 8/45

I recommend you use a calculator to confirm that 8/45 will have the decimal form of 0.1777...

Note: your calculator may round the last digit from 7 to an 8