How to find a terminating decimal within 2 mins
This topic has expert replies
- GMATGuruNY
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 15539
- Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
- Location: New York, NY
- Thanked: 13060 times
- Followed by:1906 members
- GMAT Score:790
For a fraction to yield a terminating decimal, its denominator must be composed ONLY of powers of 2 and/or powers of 5 when the fraction is in its MOST REDUCED FORM.Which of the following fractions has a decimal equivalent that is a terminating decimal?
A. 10/189
B. 15/196
C. 16/225
D. 25/144
E. 39/ 128
In any multiple of 3, the sum of the digits is a multiple of 3.
Thus, the denominators of A (189), C (225), and D (144) are all multiples of 3.
None of these answer choices can be further reduced.
Since each of these answer choices is in its most reduced form, and each has in its denominator something other than a power of 2 or a power of 5, none will yield a terminating decimal.
Eliminate A, C and D.
Answer choice B: 15/196 = (3*5)/(2*2*7*7)
Since in its most reduced form this fraction has in its denominator something other than a power of 2 or a power of 5, the resulting decimal will not be terminating.
Eliminate B.
The correct answer is E.
Answer choice E: 39/128 = (3*13)/(2^7).
Since in its most reduced form this fraction has in its denominator only a power of 2, the resulting decimal will be terminating.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
GMAT/MBA Expert
- Brent@GMATPrepNow
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 16207
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Thanked: 5254 times
- Followed by:1268 members
- GMAT Score:770
ASIDE: Whenever a question requires you to INSPECT each answer choice (as is the case with this question), the GMAT test-makers love to put the correct answer near the bottom.
So, in these situations, I always suggest that students start at answer choice E and work their way up to A.
Cheers,
Brent
So, in these situations, I always suggest that students start at answer choice E and work their way up to A.
Cheers,
Brent
- GMATinsight
- Legendary Member
- Posts: 1100
- Joined: Sat May 10, 2014 11:34 pm
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Thanked: 205 times
- Followed by:24 members
Number Property: If the denominator of any fraction (in its lowest form) has its factors any prime number other than 2 and 5 then the value of the fraction will always be NON-TERMINATING
Out of the options given, Denominators are
189 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
196 = It Has factor 7 (square of 14) therefore NON-TERMINATING
225 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
144 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
128 = It Has factor 2 only (out of all primes) therefore TERMINATING
Answer: Option E
Out of the options given, Denominators are
189 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
196 = It Has factor 7 (square of 14) therefore NON-TERMINATING
225 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
144 = It Has factor 3 therefore NON-TERMINATING
128 = It Has factor 2 only (out of all primes) therefore TERMINATING
Answer: Option E
"GMATinsight"Bhoopendra Singh & Sushma Jha
Most Comprehensive and Affordable Video Course 2000+ CONCEPT Videos and Video Solutions
Whatsapp/Mobile: +91-9999687183 l [email protected]
Contact for One-on-One FREE ONLINE DEMO Class Call/e-mail
Most Efficient and affordable One-On-One Private tutoring fee - US$40-50 per hour
Most Comprehensive and Affordable Video Course 2000+ CONCEPT Videos and Video Solutions
Whatsapp/Mobile: +91-9999687183 l [email protected]
Contact for One-on-One FREE ONLINE DEMO Class Call/e-mail
Most Efficient and affordable One-On-One Private tutoring fee - US$40-50 per hour