Has it been proven that all rational numbers repeat ....

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All rational numbers exhibit repeating decimal representations in any base, except when the denominator's prime factors include only the base's prime factors. In a radix system, if a natural number does not have 2 or 5 as factors, it will ultimately lead to a repeating sequence, similar to how numbers behave in base 10. The division of an integer by a coprime integer in a given base results in a remainder that must recur within a limited number of steps, ensuring that the digits repeat indefinitely. This concept applies universally across different numeral systems, including decimal, hexadecimal, and binary. Understanding these principles clarifies the behavior of rational numbers in various radix representations.
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in every radixial representation, except of course for those cases in which the numerator is a factor of some natural-number power of the radix?

For the radixial system we know (i.e., because we are bilateral and have arms that have 5 fingers), this would mean that any possible natural number that does not have 2 or 5 as factor (which if it did have such a factor would mean that it is a factor of some number 10n) must be a factor of some number 9999 ..., and of course mean something similar for a radixial number of any radix?

(I am probably using some improper terminology, including the term radixial, but I think folks understand what I mean here - i.e., as a generic term for a number that is in decimal, hexadecimal, binary, etc.)
 
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swampwiz said:
in every radixial representation, except of course for those cases in which the numerator is a factor of some natural-number power of the radix?

For the radixial system we know (i.e., because we are bilateral and have arms that have 5 fingers), this would mean that any possible natural number that does not have 2 or 5 as factor (which if it did have such a factor would mean that it is a factor of some number 10n) must be a factor of some number 9999 ..., and of course mean something similar for a radixial number of any radix?

(I am probably using some improper terminology, including the term radixial, but I think folks understand what I mean here - i.e., as a generic term for a number that is in decimal, hexadecimal, binary, etc.)
In the process of division of one integer m by a coprime integer n, using some base b, at each step there is a remainder less than n. So in n steps or fewer, this remainder must recur. All of the resulting digits will therefore recur from that point, ad infinitum.
 
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