decimal fraction

NOVEMBER 07, 2023

What is decimal fraction in math? Definition.

A decimal fraction, also known as a decimal, is a way of representing a part of a whole number or a fraction using a decimal point. It is a numerical value that consists of a whole number part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point. The fractional part is expressed in terms of powers of 10, with each digit after the decimal point representing a specific power of 10.

What knowledge points does decimal fraction contain? And detailed explanation step by step.

Decimal fractions contain several key knowledge points, including:

  1. Place Value: Each digit in a decimal fraction has a specific place value, which determines its significance in the overall value of the number. The place values to the right of the decimal point are powers of 10, with the first digit after the decimal point representing tenths, the second digit representing hundredths, and so on.

  2. Equivalent Fractions: Decimal fractions can be converted into equivalent fractions by expressing the decimal part as a fraction over a power of 10. For example, the decimal fraction 0.25 is equivalent to the fraction 25/100, which can be simplified to 1/4.

  3. Addition and Subtraction: Decimal fractions can be added or subtracted using the same rules as whole numbers. The decimal points must be aligned, and the numbers can be added or subtracted digit by digit.

  4. Multiplication: Decimal fractions can be multiplied by whole numbers or other decimal fractions. To multiply decimal fractions, ignore the decimal point and multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers. The final result should have the same number of decimal places as the sum of the decimal places in the original numbers.

  5. Division: Decimal fractions can be divided by whole numbers or other decimal fractions. To divide decimal fractions, move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number. Then, move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right. Perform the division as if the numbers were whole numbers, and place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend.

What is the formula or equation for decimal fraction? If it exists, please express it in a formula.

There is no specific formula or equation for decimal fractions. However, decimal fractions can be represented using the general formula:

Decimal Fraction = Whole Number Part + Fractional Part

The fractional part is expressed as a sum of the digits after the decimal point, each multiplied by the corresponding power of 10.

How to apply the decimal fraction formula or equation? If it exists, please express it.

To apply the decimal fraction formula, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the whole number part and the fractional part of the decimal fraction.
  2. Multiply each digit in the fractional part by the corresponding power of 10.
  3. Add the whole number part and the results from step 2 to obtain the decimal fraction.

For example, to apply the formula to the decimal fraction 3.75:

Whole Number Part = 3 Fractional Part = 0.75

0.75 = 7/10 + 5/100

Decimal Fraction = 3 + 7/10 + 5/100 = 3.75

What is the symbol for decimal fraction? If it exists, please express it.

The symbol for a decimal fraction is a decimal point (.) placed between the whole number part and the fractional part. For example, the decimal fraction 0.5 represents half of a whole.

What are the methods for decimal fraction?

There are several methods for working with decimal fractions:

  1. Converting to Fractions: Decimal fractions can be converted to fractions by expressing the decimal part as a fraction over a power of 10. This allows for easier comparison and calculation.

  2. Rounding: Decimal fractions can be rounded to a specific number of decimal places or significant figures to simplify calculations or improve readability.

  3. Estimation: Decimal fractions can be estimated by rounding to the nearest whole number or a specific decimal place. This can be useful for quick calculations or getting a rough idea of the value.

  4. Operations: Decimal fractions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using the same rules as whole numbers. The decimal points must be aligned, and the numbers can be manipulated digit by digit.

More than 2 solved examples on decimal fraction.

Example 1: Convert 0.625 to a fraction.

Solution: 0.625 = 625/1000 Simplifying the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, we get: 0.625 = 5/8

Example 2: Add 1.25 and 0.75.

Solution: 1.25 + 0.75 = 2.00

Practice Problems on decimal fraction.

  1. Convert 0.875 to a fraction.
  2. Subtract 0.35 from 1.5.
  3. Multiply 2.25 by 4.
  4. Divide 0.6 by 0.2.

FAQ on decimal fraction.

Question: What is the difference between a decimal fraction and a common fraction?

Answer: A decimal fraction is a fraction expressed using a decimal point, while a common fraction is expressed using a numerator and a denominator separated by a slash (/). Decimal fractions are based on powers of 10, while common fractions can have any denominator. Decimal fractions are often easier to work with in calculations, while common fractions may be more intuitive for certain applications.