Answer: Let x = 0.727272...
Then, 100x = 72.727272...
Subtracting x from 100x gives:
100x - x = 72.727272... - 0.727272...
99x = 72
x = 72/99
We can simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 9. Therefore:
x = (72/9) / (99/9) = 8/11
So, a = 8 and b = 11. Therefore, the recurring decimal 0.727272... can be expressed as the fraction 8/11.
Explanation: