GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Maths GlossaryRecurring decimals

Recurring decimals - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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A recurring decimal is a number, that when written in decimal form (rather than say fraction form), will have a digit, or a group of digits, that repeat indefinitely.

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

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

  • by writing a dot above the repeating digit, or the first and last repeating 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 repeating 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 a fraction.

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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.

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