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>
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A '''decimal''' is a way to express [[fraction]]s. A whole number is placed to the left of the decimal point (also called period or full stop). Digits to the right of the decimal indicate a fraction of a whole, as in tenths, hundredths, thousandths and so on.  
  
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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.  
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The most frequent use of decimals is with money. $1.23 means 1 dollar and 23 cents, where each [[cent]] is 1/100 of a dollar. Half a dollar is $0.50, meaning 50/100 of a dollar. An American "[[quarter dollar|quarter]]" is .25 of a dollar, equal to 25/100 of a dollar or 25 cents.  
  
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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.
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When writing decimals less than 1, a 0 does not have to be placed on the left side of the decimal point.
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While not necessary in general usage, proper usage of zeros is essential in chemistry and physics where [[significant figures]] apply. A dash over the final digit (or digits) indicates that digit repeats infinitely, or without ending. Such cases are referred to as repeating decimals.
  
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===Resources===
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==Resources==
 
*Maths is fun. [http://www.mathsisfun.com/decimals.html Decimals]. Accessed January 4, 2009.
 
*Maths is fun. [http://www.mathsisfun.com/decimals.html Decimals]. Accessed January 4, 2009.
 
*Math.com. [http://www.math.com/school/subject1/lessons/S1U1L2GL.html Decimal Numbers] Accessed January 4, 2009.
 
*Math.com. [http://www.math.com/school/subject1/lessons/S1U1L2GL.html Decimal Numbers] Accessed January 4, 2009.
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[[Category:Mathematics]]

Latest revision as of 11:31, July 13, 2016

A decimal is a way to express fractions. A whole number is placed to the left of the decimal point (also called period or full stop). Digits to the right of the decimal indicate a fraction of a whole, as in tenths, hundredths, thousandths and so on.

The most frequent use of decimals is with money. $1.23 means 1 dollar and 23 cents, where each cent is 1/100 of a dollar. Half a dollar is $0.50, meaning 50/100 of a dollar. An American "quarter" is .25 of a dollar, equal to 25/100 of a dollar or 25 cents.

When writing decimals less than 1, a 0 does not have to be placed on the left side of the decimal point. While not necessary in general usage, proper usage of zeros is essential in chemistry and physics where significant figures apply. A dash over the final digit (or digits) indicates that digit repeats infinitely, or without ending. Such cases are referred to as repeating decimals.

Resources

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