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jmc

number theory senior

Problem

If is an integer, how many fractions yield repeating decimals?
Solution
We first compute the prime factorization of 2010, which is . Therefore, if we want to be a repeating decimal, then cannot be divisible by 3 and 67 at the same time. If this were the case, then we could convert our fraction to , where , and is clearly a terminating decimal. Conversely, no simplified terminating decimal has a factor of 3 or 67 in the denominator. It follows that if is not divisible by , then is a repeating decimal. Therefore, we need to compute the number of values of that yield squares which are not divisible by 3 and 67. However, is divisible by 3 and 67 if and only if must be divisible by 3 and 67. Therefore, cannot be divisible by . There are multiplies of which are less than or equal to , so there are values of that yield a fraction which is a repeating decimal.
Final answer
2000