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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 : 1 x <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub>.
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.
===Resources===
===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.