Math Help - recurring digits

1. recurring digits

In an irrational number what is the longest possible sequence of a single digit that can occur?

2. Originally Posted by anthp1234
In an irrational number what is the longest possible sequence of a single digit that can occur?
In almost all irrationals a string of $1$'s will occur that is longer than $n$ for all $n$ in $\mathbb{N}$.

CB

3. There is no such limit

Just by using the word "irrational" you automatically attach absolutely no general rules to the decimal expansion of the number. Here is a simple proof.

Define $x_n$ as follows:

The first $n$ digits of $x_n$ are $1$. After this string of $1$'s terminates, the next digits are exactly the digits of $\pi$.

$x_{20}=.111111111111111111113141592653589793238462 643383279502884197...$

This number is automatically irrational because it has an infinite non-repeating decimal expansion, and yet n can take on whatever value you choose, whether it be 20 or 20 trillion.

4. OK just take

Ok, just consider , what is the longest string of a single recurring digit in ?

5. Originally Posted by anthp1234
Ok, just consider , what is the longest string of a single recurring digit in ?
Already answered in 2nd post in this thread, \pi is believed to be normal (though not proven so), so there is no longest string of a single digit in its' decimal expansion.

CB