Exploration of Recurring Decimals

Shirali, Padmapriya (2013) Exploration of Recurring Decimals. At Right Angles, 2 (3). pp. 49-52. ISSN 2582-1873

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Abstract

We first expose children to the topic of converting fractions to decimal numbers in class 5 or 6. At that point children notice that some fractions terminate and some do not, and they come across terms like terminating decimals and recurring decimals. They are also shown the usage of the bar or dot notation. Generally most textbooks do not proceed beyond this point. Later (class 8 or 9) they are taught how to rationalize numbers. The activity I describe here is one which I have tried with class 8 children. It proved to be an interesting investigation into the patterns in recurring decimals leading to generalization and looking at the reverse process initially through a trial and error approach followed by arriving at the procedure for rationalization.

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Articles in APF Magazines

Authors:

Shirali, Padmapriya

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