decimal number

NOVEMBER 07, 2023

What is a Decimal Number in Math?

A decimal number is a number that includes a decimal point, allowing for values between whole numbers. It is a way to represent fractions or parts of a whole in a numerical form. In decimal notation, the decimal point separates the whole number part from the fractional part.

Knowledge Points of Decimal Numbers

Decimal numbers contain the following knowledge points:

  1. Place Value: Each digit in a decimal number has a specific place value based on its position relative to the decimal point. The place values to the right of the decimal point are powers of 10, such as tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on.

  2. Decimal Point: The decimal point is a punctuation mark used to separate the whole number part from the fractional part in a decimal number.

  3. Digits: Decimal numbers can contain digits from 0 to 9. Each digit represents a specific value based on its position and the place value system.

  4. Fractional Part: The fractional part of a decimal number represents a fraction or a part of a whole. It is located to the right of the decimal point.

Formula or Equation for Decimal Number

There is no specific formula or equation for decimal numbers. However, decimal numbers can be converted to fractions or percentages using appropriate mathematical operations.

Application of Decimal Number Formula or Equation

Since there is no specific formula or equation for decimal numbers, their application lies in various mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Decimal numbers can also be used in real-life situations involving measurements, money, and scientific calculations.

Symbol for Decimal Number

The symbol for a decimal number is a decimal point (.), which is placed between the whole number part and the fractional part.

Methods for Decimal Number

There are several methods for working with decimal numbers:

  1. Addition and Subtraction: Decimal numbers can be added or subtracted by aligning the decimal points and performing the operation as usual.

  2. Multiplication: Decimal numbers can be multiplied by ignoring the decimal point and performing the multiplication as if they were whole numbers. The final result is adjusted by placing the decimal point in the correct position.

  3. Division: Decimal numbers can be divided by moving the decimal point in the divisor and dividend to make the divisor a whole number. The division is then performed as usual, and the decimal point is placed in the quotient.

Solved Examples on Decimal Number

Example 1: Add 2.5 and 1.75. Solution: Aligning the decimal points, we get:

   2.50
+ 1.75
-------
   4.25

Example 2: Multiply 3.2 by 0.5. Solution: Ignoring the decimal point, we multiply 32 by 5:

   32
×  5
-----
  160

Placing the decimal point in the correct position, the result is 1.6.

Practice Problems on Decimal Number

  1. Subtract 0.75 from 1.2.
  2. Divide 4.8 by 0.6.
  3. Multiply 0.25 by 0.4.

FAQ on Decimal Number

Question: What is a decimal number? A decimal number is a number that includes a decimal point, allowing for values between whole numbers.

Question: How do you add decimal numbers? To add decimal numbers, align the decimal points and perform the addition as usual.

Question: How do you multiply decimal numbers? To multiply decimal numbers, ignore the decimal point and perform the multiplication as if they were whole numbers. Adjust the final result by placing the decimal point in the correct position.

Question: How do you divide decimal numbers? To divide decimal numbers, move the decimal point in the divisor and dividend to make the divisor a whole number. Perform the division as usual and place the decimal point in the quotient.