GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Maths GlossaryRecurring

Recurring - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

Published

In GCSE Mathematics, a recurring decimal is a number that has its decimal places repeating. This may be one digit repeating, or a group of digits repeating.

In writing such numbers, the recurring digits can be indicated in several ways ...

  • by writing "..." (ellipses) once it is clear what digits are recurring
    e.g. 1.333 333 ..., or 2.543 543 ...

  • by writing a dot above the recurring digit, or the first and last recurring digit
    e.g. 1.3 with dot on top, or 2.5 with dot on top 4 3 with ¨ on top

  • by writing a line (bar) above all recurring digits
    e.g. 1.3 with bar on top, or 2.543 with bar on top

All recurring decimals are rational numbers - this means they can be written as fractions.

Examiner-written GCSE Maths revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Maths revision resources

Share this article

Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now