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Decimal numbers are based on powers of 10. The only factors of 10 are 2 and 5. Any denominator of the form 2^x*5^y will divide 10^x or 10^y - whichever is larger.

In the above example, the first set of denominators are all of the form 2^x and so will divide 10^x. So all fractions will have decimal expressions with x decimal digits (assuming you start with the fraction in simplified form).

The second set of denominators include 3 as a factor and so none of these denominators can be expressed as 2^x*5^y and so none of them are a factor of 10^z for any z.

All that may sound complicated. At its simplest, the rule is that if the only prime factors of the denominator are 2 and 5, then you will get a terminating decimal. Anything else and you won't.

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Q: When fractions with the denominators of 2 4 8 16 32 produce terminating decimals fractions with the denominators 6 12 18 24 produce repeating decimals why?
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Related questions

Is 0.16 repeating irrational?

No, no repeating decimal is irrational. All repeating decimals can be converted to fractions. They are, however, non-terminating.


What can rational numbers be expressed as?

fractions or decimals


What are 5 examples of non terminating repeating decimals?

terminating decimals repeating decimals


What are the different kinds of decimal?

terminating decimals non terminating decimals repeating decimals non repeating decimals


Are terminating and repeating decimals irrational numbers?

Terminating and repeating decimals are rational numbers.


What is it called when fractions terminating repeating decimals integers and percents called?

They are called rational numbers


How fractions are related to repeating decimals and terminating decimals?

Fractions are related to repeating decimals in the sense that a fraction can be represented as a repeating decimal if the denominator has prime factors other than 2 or 5. For example, 1/3 can be represented as 0.3333..., with the 3s repeating infinitely. Terminating decimals, on the other hand, are fractions that have denominators which are powers of 10. For example, 1/4 can be represented as 0.25, which terminates after two decimal places.


Can all terminating decimals be written as fractions?

All terminating decimals can be written as fractions.


What are signs for decimals?

terminating decimals and repeating decimals


Is decimals ratios?

Terminating and repeating decimals are.


Are repeating decimals and terminating decimals the same?

No.


What are non-terminating and non-repeating decimals called?

They are called terminating decimals.