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A decimal number is either

  • terminating,
  • repeating, or
  • non-terminating and non-repeating.
The last of these can never be written out since it has infinitely many digits with no way of abbreviating them.


A terminating decimal number is one with at most n digits after the decimal point (where n is finite). Such a number is equivalent to a rational number whose denominator is 10^n. The number is therefore rational.

For example, 0.23568 = 23568/100000. It can be simplified but that is not relevant here.


A number with a decimal representation with a recurring string of length m (where m is finite) is a rational number whose denominator is a 10^k multiple of 10^m-1 or 99...9 (m times). Here k is related to when the repeating sequence starts.

For example, consider 1.23142857142857... (with the 6 digit sequence 142857 repeating)

Let f = 1.23142857142857...

then 100f = 123.142857142857...

and 100f*1000000 = 123142857.142857142857...

So that 999999*100f = 123142857-123 which is an integer.

f is, therefore a ratio of two integers and so is a rational number.


So that only leaves the Irrational Numbers for infinitely long decimal representations with no recurrence.


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Q: Why cant irrational be represented in decimal form?
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Related questions

Why cant irrational numbers be represented in decimal form?

But irrational numbers are decimals that can't be expressed as fractions


Why can't irrational numbers represented in decimal form?

They don't stop.


Is Irrational numbers can never be precisely represented in decimal form Why is this?

They don't stop.


Why can't irrational numbers ever be precisely represented in a decimal form?

Suppose an irrational number can be written precisely in decimal form, with n digits after the decimal point. Then if you multiply the decimal value by 10n you will get an integer, say k. Then the decimal representation is equivalent to k/10n, which is a ratio of two integers and so the number, by definition, is rational - not irrational.


Why can't irrational number be represented as decimal form?

Any terminating or repeating decimal number can be converted easily into the form of p/q: a ratio of two integers. If it can be written in that form then it is rational.


What is the exact fraction form of pi?

It is said to be 22/7. And it is 3.14 in decimal form. * * * * * pi is a transcendental number which is a kind of irrational number. An irrational number cannot be represented as an exact fraction.


What does an irrational look like?

An irrational number is one which cannot be expressed in the form of a ratio of two integers. This implies that it cannot be represented by a terminating or recurring decimal number.


Is -74 an irrational number?

-74 is not an irrational number. An irrational number can not be represented in the form of a faction.


Is the decimal form of an irrational number is a repeating decimal?

No.


Is The decimal form of an irrational number is a repeated decimal?

No it is not.


Can irrational numbers represent on a number line?

No ,irrational no can not be represented on no line because it is not of the form p/


Why are rational irrational and real numbers not represented in tabular form?

Rational numbers are sometimes represented in tabular form, e.g. for proofs relating to different infinities. Irrational and real numbers are not because there is no way to do it.