Repeating decimals (sic) in bases other than 10

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The discussion centers on proving that the repeating decimal $.0222\ldots$ in base 3 is equivalent to .1 in base 3 and equals $\frac{1}{3}$ in base 10. The proof utilizes the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series, demonstrating that $2\left(\frac{1}{3^2} + \frac{1}{3^3} + \cdots\right)$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{3}$. Additionally, a method involving the manipulation of the equation $x=0.0\bar{2}$ in base 3 confirms that $x=0.1$. The discussion also highlights the importance of correctly applying rules for infinite series.

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Dustinsfl
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Prove that $.0222\ldots$ (base 3) $= .1$ (base 3) $= \frac{1}{3}$ (base 10).First, we will show $.0222\ldots$ (base 3) $= \frac{1}{3}$ (base 10).
\begin{alignat*}{3}
2\left(\frac{1}{3^2} + \frac{1}{3^3} + \frac{1}{3^4} + \cdots\right) & = & 2\sum_{n = 2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n\\
& = & \frac{2}{9}\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n\\
& = & \frac{2}{9}\frac{1}{1 - \frac{1}{3}}\\
& = & \frac{1}{3}
\end{alignat*}

I am having trouble with the second part.
 
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Re: base 3

This may not be what you have in mind, but this puts me in mind of a simple proof in base 10 that:

$\displaystyle 0.\bar{9}=1$

So, we have in base 3 (trinary):

$\displaystyle x=0.0\bar{2}$

Multiply by 3 in trinary:

$\displaystyle 10x=0.\bar{2}=0.2+x$

$\displaystyle 2x=0.2$

$\displaystyle x=0.1$
 
Re: base 3

MarkFL said:
This may not be what you have in mind, but this puts me in mind of a simple proof in base 10 that:

$\displaystyle 0.\bar{9}=1$

So, we have in base 3 (trinary):

$\displaystyle x=0.0\bar{2}$

Multiply by 3 in trinary:

$\displaystyle 10x=0.\bar{2}=0.2+x$

$\displaystyle 2x=0.2$

$\displaystyle x=0.1$

Your purported proof is invalid in any base in that it applies rules valid for finite series to infinite series without justifying their validity.

CB
 
How I solved it was with the fact that 3 in base 3 is 10.
$$
\frac{1}{10} = .1
$$
 

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