To convert complex recurring decimals into fractions, what is the first step?

The first step in converting complex recurring decimals into fractions is to define the decimal as a variable, often denoted by x. By doing this, you establish a clear representation of the decimal number you are working with. This allows you to manipulate the equation effectively in subsequent steps.

Once the decimal is represented as a variable, you can then multiply by a power of 10 based on the number of digits in the repeating section, which helps in eliminating the decimal point when forming a related equation. This structured approach is essential for systematically converting the recurring decimal into a fraction, allowing you to isolate and solve for x.

When looking at the other options: directly converting a complex recurring decimal to a simple fraction without a proper method would not yield an accurate result. Multiplying by 10 before defining the decimal does not provide a foundation to work from. Ignoring the recurring part would lead to an incomplete representation of the number, preventing you from accurately converting it into a fraction.