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 : 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 . |
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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. | ||
===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. | ||
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.