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Assertion (A): has a terminating decimal expansion. Reason (R): . Which option is correct?

Class 10Real NumbersNumber Systems
  • ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • BBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • CA is true but R is false
  • DA is false but R is true

Step-by-Step Solution

R states a correct factorisation: . But that factorisation contains a 3, so the denominator is NOT of the form 2ᵐ × 5ⁿ and is non-terminating recurring — A is false. Deciding from the numerator 17, or from "30 ends in 0 so it must divide nicely", is the usual error.
Answer: D) A is false but R is true

Key idea: When does a rational number terminate?

**Theorem**: A rational number (in lowest terms) has a terminating decimal expansion if and only if has the form **2ᵐ × 5ⁿ** (m, n ≥ 0).

**Examples**:
- → terminates → terminates → does NOT terminate… recurring.)
- → does NOT terminate (because of the 3).

**Why**: any decimal expansion is a fraction with denominator 10ⁿ = 2ⁿ × 5ⁿ. To convert to decimal form, you need to ONLY have 2s and 5s as primes — otherwise you can't multiply numerator/denominator into a power of 10.

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