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What causes repeating decimals and what are their origins?

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A repeating decimal happens because division gets stuck in a loop.

When you divide one number by another, you keep producing remainders. If the division does not end cleanly, eventually the same remainder appears again. Once that happens, the same digit pattern repeats forever.

So the basic cause is:

same remainder → same next step → same digit pattern → repeating decimal

A decimal ends only when the division eventually has no remainder. If that never happens, the decimal repeats.
therighttothink50 · 56-60, M
A faulty colon will cause repeats
DrWatson · 70-79, M
I'm sure there is a rational explanation. 😏
Mellomarsha · 61-69, F
@DrWatson Real good.
candycane · 36-40, F
ammonia scrubbers .oooooo9

 
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