Terminating Decimals
In this wiki we will be talking only about rational numbers. There are 2 types of rational decimal numbers: repeating and terminating.
Terminating decimals are rational decimal numbers which can be written in the decimal form by using a finite number of digits.
Contents
Identification of terminating decimals
A terminating decimal can be easily identified. If the number doesn't have a bar over it, it is a terminating decimal.
A fraction can be identified as a terminating decimal if its lowest term is in the form where is the set of prime factors of the base being used. In base 10, the form is
Which of the following is a terminating decimal?
The answer is because has a bar on it, representing a repeating decimal.
Is a terminating decimal?
The answer is no because
which is not in the form .
Finding the number of decimal places in a terminating decimal
The number of decimal places in is . In other words, it is the greater of the two numbers and .
Find the number of decimal places in .
We have
So, the answer is , because .