Are There Other Strange Division Patterns Besides Cancelling 6's?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying unusual division patterns, particularly those involving fractions where the numerator and denominator share a specific structure, such as containing a sequence of sixes or other digits. The original poster presents examples like 16/64 and 166/664, questioning the nature of these patterns and whether others exist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the mathematical reasoning behind the observed patterns, questioning how similar structures yield consistent results. Some suggest examining other fractions with similar digit arrangements, while others provide examples and seek to generalize the findings.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing observations and examples that illustrate the patterns. Some guidance is offered regarding the multiplication of numerators and denominators by the same factor, but no consensus has been reached on a broader theory or additional examples.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering specific numerical structures and their implications in division, with an emphasis on the patterns formed by repeating digits. There is an underlying curiosity about the mathematical principles that govern these relationships.

madah12
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Homework Statement




how come that 16/64=.25
166/664=.25
1666/6664=.25
and any 1then n number of sixes / the same number of sixes then 4 = .25
same thing with 19 / 95

is there other strange division patterns?
 
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(1 followed by n sixes) * 4 = (string of n sixes followed by 4)
 
\frac{166}{664} = \frac{16 * 13.75}{64 * 13.75} = \frac{16}{64} = \frac{1}{4}
\frac{1666}{6664} = \frac{16 * 104.375}{64 * 104.375} = \frac{16}{64} = \frac{1}{4}

You could probably show the same sort of thing is happening with 19/95, 199/995, and so on.

In all these examples the numerator and denominator of 16/64 are being multiplied by the same number, yielding a fraction that is equal to 16/64 = 1/4. Same with 19/95 and the others.
 
Several things like this. Consider 26/65 (or maybe even 49/98). Consider fractions like (10a+b)/(10b+c) = a/c or similar
 
Here's one I always liked-just cancel the 6's.
\frac{1\rlap{/}6}{\rlap{/}64} \;=\;\frac{1}{4}
:smile:
 

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