Convert 5.5 (with a bar notation above the 5)

Question

Into a decimal

Answer 1

The bar notation above the 5 in 5.5 indicates that the digit 5 is repeated indefinitely. To convert this to a decimal, we can represent it as a fraction.

Let x = 5.55555...

Multiply both sides of the equation by 10 to remove the decimal:

10x = 55.55555...

Now, subtract the original equation from the previous equation to eliminate the repeating decimal:

10x - x = 55.55555... - 5.55555...
= 50

Simplifying the equation:

9x = 50

Now divide both sides of the equation by 9:

x = 50/9

Therefore, 5.5 (with a bar notation above the 5) is equivalent to the decimal 50/9.