Patterns in Real Numbers

5.7.1 Patterns in Real Numbers

5.7.1 • Patterns in Real Numbers

Warm Up

In the table, find as many patterns as you can. Use one or more patterns to help you complete the table. Be prepared to explain your reasoning.

fraction 1 2 1 2 1 4 1 4 1 8 1 8 1 16 1 16 1 32 1 32
decimal 0.5 0.25 0.125 a._____ b._____
Table presenting equivalent fraction and decimal values, with some entries left blank for completion.
1.

What is the value for a?

0.0625

2.

What is the value for b?

0.03125

3.

Describe the pattern you used to find the values that completed the table.

Compare your answers:

  • Each number is half of the previous number. We can find the next number by multiplying the current number by 1 2 1 2 or by 0.5, or by dividing by 2.
  • The non-zero digits of the decimals are powers of 5 ( 5 1 5 1 , 5 2 5 2 , 5 3 5 3 , etc.), and each time there is an additional decimal place.
  • 0.5 can be written as 5 10 5 10 , 0.25 as 25 100 25 100 , and 0.125 as 125 1 , 000 125 1 , 000 . The numerators are powers of 5, and the denominators are powers of 10, so the next two numbers are 5 4 10 4 5 4 10 4 , which is 65 10 , 000 65 10 , 000 or 0.0625, and 5 5 10 5 5 5 10 5 , which is 3 , 125 100 , 000 3 , 125 100 , 000 or 0.03125.
  • The denominators in the fractions are powers of 2.