3,101
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1:
Line 1: − +
no edit summary
A '''decimal''', like a [[fraction]], is one way to express numbers less than 1. The main difference between a decimal and fraction is that a decimal is easier to utilize as it complements a whole number better. When a number is divided by a [[period]], anything to the right of the period is part of the decimal. This is illustrated in the following model;<blockquote>''(Whole Number)'''''.'''''(Decimal)''</blockquote>
A '''decimal''', like a [[fraction]], is one way to express numbers less than 1. The main difference between a decimal and fraction is that a decimal is easier to utilize as it complements a whole number better. When a number is divided by a [[period]], anything to the right of the period is part of the decimal. This is illustrated in the following model;<blockquote>''(Whole Number)'''''.'''''(Decimal)''</blockquote>
As we have a base ten system, the first number to the right of the period represents the given number (''n'') out of ten (<sup>''n''</sup>'''/'''<sub>10</sub>), known as tenths. this can be used to find the value of any place, by multiplying the place to its left by <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub> and substituting the given number for 1. Using the tenths example, this would be, 1 x <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub>, to find the value of 0.1 .
As we have a base ten system, the first number to the right of the period represents the given number (''n'') out of ten (<sup>''n''</sup>'''/'''<sub>10</sub>), known as tenths. this can be used to find the value of any place, by multiplying the place to its left by <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub> and substituting the given number for 1. Using the tenths example, this would be, 1 x <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub>, to find the value of 0.1 . A simpler way of thinking about this that as we move right, each place gets ten times smaller.
When writing decimals without a whole number, a 0 is generally placed on the left side of the period to signify that the number is both a decimal and that there are no whole number components.
When writing decimals without a whole number, a 0 is generally placed on the left side of the period to signify that the number is both a decimal and that there are no whole number components.