GCSE Maths / Edexcel

Recurring decimals to fractions

Convert recurring decimals into fractions by setting up equations and subtracting to remove the recurring part.

Number and Place ValueHigherGrades 6 to 8Focused skill

Curriculum path: GCSE Maths > Edexcel > Number > Recurring decimals to fractions

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths number: change recurring decimals into their corresponding fractions.

Revision notes

Theory, examples, and quick checks.

Keep the method short, then practise straight away. This note is written for GCSE Maths Edexcel students who need clear working and reliable method marks.

Theory

A recurring decimal has a digit or block of digits that repeats forever. The dots or repeated digits mean the decimal does not stop.

The aim is to turn the recurring decimal into an exact fraction, not a rounded decimal.

Let x equal the recurring decimal. Then multiply by 10, 100, or 1000 so the repeating block lines up underneath itself.

Use 10 when one digit repeats, 100 when two digits repeat, and 1000 when three digits repeat.

Subtract the smaller equation from the larger equation. The recurring decimal parts cancel, leaving a normal equation.

Solve for x and simplify the fraction. Edexcel marks usually reward the setup, the subtraction, and the simplified fraction separately.

Key ruleLine up the recurring block before subtracting.

Worked examples

One recurring digit

Convert 0.777... to a fraction.

  1. Let x = 0.777...
  2. 10x = 7.777...
  3. 10x - x = 7, so 9x = 7

Answer: 7 / 9

Two recurring digits

Convert 0.363636... to a fraction.

  1. Let x = 0.363636...
  2. Two digits repeat, so multiply by 100: 100x = 36.363636...
  3. Subtract the equations: 100x - x = 36.363636... - 0.363636...
  4. 99x = 36, so x = 36 / 99 = 4 / 11.

Answer: 4 / 11

Non-recurring then recurring

Convert 0.1666... to a fraction.

  1. Let x = 0.1666...
  2. 10x = 1.666...
  3. 100x = 16.666...
  4. 100x - 10x = 15, so 90x = 15

Answer: 1 / 6

Common mistakes

  • Multiplying by 10 when the recurring block has two digits.
  • Subtracting before the recurring digits line up.
  • Forgetting to simplify the final fraction.
  • Treating a recurring decimal as a rounded decimal.

Quick exercise

Try these before moving to the exam-style questions.

  1. Convert 0.222... to a fraction.
  2. Convert 0.555... to a fraction.
  3. Convert 0.121212... to a fraction.
  4. Convert 0.090909... to a fraction.
  5. Convert 0.1333... to a fraction.
Exam-style questions

Practise the same skill at three levels.

These are original GCSE-style questions with mark schemes, common wrong answers, and AI marking guidance so feedback stays close to exam expectations.

Basic GCSE styleHigherNon-calculator2 marks

Convert 0.444... to a fraction.

recurring decimalsfractionshigher number
Standard exam styleHigherNon-calculator3 marks

Convert 0.272727... to a fraction in its simplest form.

two-digit recurring decimalsimplifying fractionsalgebraic method
ChallengeHigherNon-calculator4 marks

Convert 0.41666... to a fraction in its simplest form.

recurring decimalsnon-recurring digithigher algebraic number