Let a, b eN with b>1 and with gcd(a, b) = 1. Then has a terminating decimal expression iff .... Now prove your conjecture. Note that this is an "if and only if" statement, requiring proofs for both implications.

College Algebra
7th Edition
ISBN:9781305115545
Author:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
ChapterP: Prerequisites
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 49E
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5. Look at some decimal expressions of fractions such as 25' 5' 15' 20' 14' 50
1 2 7 9 16 71 50 91 by
carrying out long divisions or using your calculator (Careful, calculators can give mis-
leading results!), and see which numbers have a terminating decimal expression, while
paying attention to the prime factorisation of the denominator.
Hint: Take a terminating decimal expression and see what happens when you convert
it to a fraction in lowest terms. (Don't include this part in your homework submission.)
Now come up with a conjecture for which fractions have a terminating decimal expres-
sion. Your conjecture should be of the following form:
Let a, b E N with b> 1 and with gcd(a, b) = 1. Then
a
has a terminating decimal expression iff ....
Now prove your conjecture. Note that this is an “if and only if" statement, requiring
proofs for both implications.
Transcribed Image Text:5. Look at some decimal expressions of fractions such as 25' 5' 15' 20' 14' 50 1 2 7 9 16 71 50 91 by carrying out long divisions or using your calculator (Careful, calculators can give mis- leading results!), and see which numbers have a terminating decimal expression, while paying attention to the prime factorisation of the denominator. Hint: Take a terminating decimal expression and see what happens when you convert it to a fraction in lowest terms. (Don't include this part in your homework submission.) Now come up with a conjecture for which fractions have a terminating decimal expres- sion. Your conjecture should be of the following form: Let a, b E N with b> 1 and with gcd(a, b) = 1. Then a has a terminating decimal expression iff .... Now prove your conjecture. Note that this is an “if and only if" statement, requiring proofs for both implications.
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