Home
Back
Terminating Decimal Rule:
| From: | To: |
A terminating decimal is a decimal number that has a finite number of digits after the decimal point. In other words, it "terminates" after a certain number of decimal places. This occurs when the denominator of the fraction (in lowest terms) has no prime factors other than 2 or 5.
The calculator follows these steps:
Example: 3/8 terminates (8 = 2³) while 1/3 doesn't (3 is a different prime factor).
Details: Terminating decimals are important in precise measurements, financial calculations, and computer representations where exact values are preferred over repeating decimals.
Tips: Enter any integer numerator and non-zero denominator. The calculator will show the decimal equivalent and whether it terminates.
Q1: What makes a decimal terminate?
A: A fraction in lowest terms has a terminating decimal if and only if the denominator's prime factors are only 2 and/or 5.
Q2: Can you give examples of terminating decimals?
A: 1/2 = 0.5, 3/4 = 0.75, 7/8 = 0.875, 9/10 = 0.9 are all terminating decimals.
Q3: What are examples of non-terminating decimals?
A: 1/3 = 0.333..., 5/6 = 0.8333..., 2/7 = 0.285714285714... are non-terminating repeating decimals.
Q4: Does the numerator affect whether a decimal terminates?
A: No, only the denominator's prime factors matter (after simplifying the fraction).
Q5: How can I convert a fraction to a decimal manually?
A: Perform long division of numerator by denominator. If the division terminates, it's a terminating decimal.