A rational number can be expressed in decimal form in two main ways: as a terminating decimal or as a repeating decimal.
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Terminating Decimal: A rational number has a decimal representation that ends after a certain number of digits. For example, the fraction
equals 0.25, which terminates after two decimal places. -
Repeating Decimal: A rational number can also have a decimal representation that continues indefinitely with a repeating sequence of digits. For instance, the fraction
equals 0.333..., where the digit 3 repeats infinitely.
In summary, the decimal form of a rational number can be either terminating or repeating, but it will never be non-repeating and non-terminating. This is a defining property of rational numbers.