Which of the following expresses [tex]\( 2.\overline{4} \)[/tex] as a fraction in simplest form?

A. [tex]\( 2 \frac{1}{4} \)[/tex]

B. [tex]\( 2 \frac{2}{5} \)[/tex]

C. [tex]\( 2 \frac{11}{25} \)[/tex]

D. [tex]\( 2 \frac{4}{9} \)[/tex]



Answer :

To express the repeating decimal [tex]\(2 . \overline{4}\)[/tex] as a fraction in simplest form, we start by setting the repeating decimal equal to a variable:

Let [tex]\( x = 2 . \overline{4} \)[/tex].

First, we want to eliminate the repeating part by manipulating the equation.

Multiply both sides of the equation by 10 (since the repetend is a single digit), which shifts the decimal point one place to the right:
[tex]\[ 10x = 24.4\overline{4} \][/tex]

Now we have two equations:
[tex]\[ x = 2.4\overline{4} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 10x = 24.4\overline{4} \][/tex]

Next, subtract the first equation from the second:
[tex]\[ 10x - x = 24.4\overline{4} - 2.4\overline{4} \][/tex]

This simplifies to:
[tex]\[ 9x = 22 \][/tex]

Solving for [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{22}{9} \][/tex]

Thus, the repeating decimal [tex]\( 2 . \overline{4} \)[/tex] simplifies to the mixed number:
[tex]\[ 2 + \frac{22}{9} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ = 2 \frac{22}{9} \][/tex]

However, it's often given in a more compact form in the context of four given choices, and none of those are improper fractions.

So, we compare this result to the provided options:
- [tex]\(2 \frac{1}{4} = 2.25\)[/tex]
- [tex]\(2 \frac{2}{5} = 2.4\)[/tex]
- [tex]\(2 \frac{11}{25} = 2.44\)[/tex]
- [tex]\(2 \frac{4}{9} = 2.44444\)[/tex]

From the above options, it is clear that [tex]\(2 \frac{4}{9} = 2.44444\)[/tex], which matches our result.

Therefore, the correct expression for [tex]\(2 . \overline{4}\)[/tex] as a fraction in simplest form is:
[tex]\[ 2 \frac{4}{9} \][/tex]

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