Terminating and Recurring Decimals

Some fractions give a decimal that stops, called a terminating decimal, and others give one that repeats forever, called a recurring decimal. In NSW Year 8 maths you learn to predict which from the prime factors of the denominator (NESA outcome MA4‑FRC‑C‑01).

You will convert fractions and mixed numerals to decimals, write repeating blocks in dot notation such as \(\frac{7}{9} = 0.\dot{7}\), turn recurring decimals back into fractions, and order values like \(0.\dot{4}\dot{5}\) and \(0.45\). You will also find a digit far along a repeating block. Splitting a $50 restaurant bill three ways and sharing lollies between seven children both give recurring decimals. It is part of Year 8 Working with Numbers.