djb (07/23/82)
The mysterious cyclic integer 142857 happens to be the repeating pattern in 1/7. As a result you can use the cyclic property to rapidly compute values of n/7 by quickly multiplying n and 14, and starting at the point in the pattern that is approximately that result. For example: a) What's 5/7? ______ 5*14 = 70, which means 5/7 is 0.7142857142857 b) 3/7? ______ 3*14 = 42, which means 3/7 is 0.42857142857 Another way to impress you friends with math... David Bryant cbosg!djb