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 | |||||
decimal | 0.5 | 0.25 | 0.125 | a._____ | b._____ |
What is the value for a?
0.0625
What is the value for b?
0.03125
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 or by 0.5, or by dividing by 2.
- The non-zero digits of the decimals are powers of 5 ( , , , etc.), and each time there is an additional decimal place.
- 0.5 can be written as , 0.25 as , and 0.125 as . The numerators are powers of 5, and the denominators are powers of 10, so the next two numbers are , which is or 0.0625, and , which is or 0.03125.
- The denominators in the fractions are powers of 2.