Difference between revisions of "Decimal"
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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 | + | 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 . |
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. | ||
Revision as of 22:43, January 4, 2009
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;
(Whole Number).(Decimal)
As we have a base ten system, the first number to the right of the period represents the given number (n) out of ten (n/10), known as tenths. this can be used to find the value of any place, by multiplying the place to its left by 1/10 and substituting the given number for 1. Using the tenths example, this would be, 1 x 1/10, to find the value of 0.1 .
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.
Resources
- Maths is fun. Decimals. Accessed January 4, 2009.
- Math.com. Decimal Numbers Accessed January 4, 2009.