Repeating decimals (sic) in bases other than 10

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of repeating decimals in base 3, specifically the equivalence of $.0222\ldots$ in base 3 to $.1$ in base 3 and $\frac{1}{3}$ in base 10. Participants explore different methods of proving this equivalence and address the validity of these proofs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a proof showing that $.0222\ldots$ (base 3) equals $\frac{1}{3}$ (base 10) using an infinite series approach.
  • Another participant draws a parallel to a known base 10 proof that $0.\bar{9} = 1$, attempting to apply similar reasoning to base 3 with the expression $0.0\bar{2}$.
  • A third participant challenges the validity of the first proof, arguing that it improperly applies rules for finite series to infinite series without justification.
  • A later reply suggests a simpler approach by recognizing that 3 in base 3 is represented as 10, leading to the conclusion that $\frac{1}{10} = .1$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the proofs presented, with some supporting the initial proof and others contesting its application of series rules. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the various methods proposed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the application of infinite series and the conditions under which the proofs hold true. Participants have not reached a consensus on the validity of the different approaches discussed.

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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