An Algorithm to Convert a Repeating Decimal

into a Fraction
Algebraic Method
0.35

Example 1 The entire decimal repeats.

n 0.35

Step 1: Let n equal your number.

Step 2: Multiply both sides of the equation by

10n

g100 g100

100n 35.35

where n = the number of repeating digits.

n 0.35

Step 3: Subtract the original equation from both sides.

99n 35
n

Step 4: Solve for n.

12.142

Example 2 A portion of the decimal repeats.

n 12.142

Step 1: Let n equal your number.

Step 2: Multiply both sides of the equation by

10n

where n = the number of repeating digits.

Step 3: Subtract the original equation from both sides.
n 12.142
9n 109.28

Step 4: Solve for n.

n

109.28 10928 2732

9
900
225

Sum of Fractions Method

0.374

374
999

Example 1 The entire decimal repeats.

Step 1: Let the numerator be the digits that
repeat written as an integer.

35
99

g10

g10

10n 121.422

5.32 5

32 527

99 99

Step 2: Let the denominator be all nines such that

the number of nines written is equal to
the number of repeating digits.

0.38

3
8
7

10 90 18

Example 2 A portion of the decimal repeats.

Step 1: Write the nonrepeating portion of the
decimal as a fraction.
Step 2: Write the repeating portion of the decimal

194
23

1000 99000
19229 811229
8

99000 99000

8.19423 8

as a separate fraction as described

above.
Step 3: Place zeros in the denominator of the fraction
representing the repeating decimal such that
the number zeros is equal to the number of
decimal places that do NOT repeat.
Step 4: Add the fractions together.