Recurring decimal (rɪˈkʌrɪŋ ˈdɛsɪməl) refers to a decimal number that repeats infinitely. The spelling of this term is straightforward, with the stress on the first syllable of "recurring" and the second syllable of "decimal." The "u" in "recurring" is pronounced like the "u" in "but," while the "e" in "decimal" sounds like the "e" in "pet." The IPA phonetic transcription system helps to accurately represent the sounds of words across different languages, facilitating clear communication and understanding.
A recurring decimal refers to a specific type of decimal number that displays a recurring pattern of digits after the decimal point. Also known as a repeating decimal, it is a finite number of digits that repeat indefinitely throughout the decimal representation of a particular number.
To understand this type of decimal, one must recognize that it consists of two parts: the non-repeating part, which is the set of digits before the recurring pattern, and the repeating part, which is the set of digits that repetitively occurs after a certain point. The recurring part is usually enclosed within parentheses to indicate its cyclic nature.
For instance, if the decimal representation of a number contains the digits 0.666..., it signifies that the digit six (6) is continuously repeated after the decimal point. In this case, the recurring decimal can be written as 0.6(6). Similarly, if the digits are 0.764764..., the recurring decimal would be 0.764(764).
Recurring decimals can be represented mathematically as fractions. By converting the repeating part into a fraction with the same number of digits as the pattern and subtracting the non-repeating part, one can derive an equivalent fraction. For example, 0.6(6) can be written as 6/10 + 6/90, which simplifies to 2/3.
Recurring decimals serve as an important concept in number theory and can provide insights into the properties of rational and irrational numbers.
The word "recurring decimal" has been derived from the Latin word "recurrere", which means "to run again" or "to return". In mathematics, a recurring decimal is a decimal number in which a sequence of digits repeats infinitely after a certain point. The term "recurring" reflects this repetition, as the digits recur or return in a pattern. This term has been used since the early 19th century to describe such decimal numbers.