From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!npois!cbosgd!djb
Newsgroups: net.math
Title: 1/7 = .142857
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.2457
Posted: Fri Jul 23 09:18:56 1982
Received: Mon Jul 26 00:15:39 1982

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