How do you convert -1.7 (7 repeating) as a fraction?

1 Answer
Apr 16, 2016

#-1.7bar7-= -16/9 -> ( -1 7/9)" "# The #-=# means 'equivalent to'

Explanation:

Note that the question gives a negative value.

Write as #-1.7bar7# the bare above the 7 means that it goes on forever.

Let #x=-1.7bar7#

Then #10x=-17.7bar7#

So #10x-x= -17.7bar7#
#" "underline(" "-1.7bar7)" "<-"Subtract#
#" "-16#

So #9x=-16#

Divide both sides by 9

#x=-16/9 -> ( -1 7/9)#