Decimals

Decimal is a numerical representation that uses a dot, which we call a decimal point, to separate the whole number part from its fractional part. The decimal numeral system is used as the standard system that is used to distinguish integer and non-integer numbers.

In this article, we will understand what decimals are, the place value of decimals, and how to round decimals along with some solved examples based on it.

What are Decimals?

Decimals are numerical representations that extend our understanding of whole numbers by introducing a fractional component. In the decimal system, numbers are expressed in units, tenths, hundredths, and so forth, with each digit’s position indicating a specific decimal place value. This system allows for precise representation of values lying between two whole numbers, facilitating more accurate measurements and calculations in various fields.

Reading Decimals

A decimal point is read as,

Decimals Definition

Decimals are used to represent numbers in smaller parts than a whole using a system where each digit’s position indicates a specific decimal place. This allows for a more accurate representation of values between whole numbers.

Reading and Writing Decimals

Reading and writing decimals involves understanding the place value of digits after the decimal point. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Read Whole Number Part: Identify the digits to the left of the decimal point as the whole number part.

Step 2. Read Decimal Part: State the digits to the right of the decimal point as individual digits. For example, in the decimal 38.75, read “thirty eight point seven five.”

Step 3. Write Decimal in Words: Express the decimal numerically and verbally. For example, 4.2 can be written as “four point two”.

Decimals Place Value Chart

In the chart given below, you will see that from the tenth place, there is only 1 digit after decimal. Still, we count it as the tenth-place value. This is because decimals also take a place value.

Ones	Tenths	Hundreths	Thousandths	Ten Thousandths
1	0.1	0.01	0.001	0.0001

What is Place Value in Decimals?

Place value in decimals refers to the position of a digit in relation to the decimal point. Each position represents a power of 10, determining the digit’s value in the number.

For example, in the decimal 0.75:

• The 7 is in the “tenths” place because it’s one-tenth of the whole.
• The 5 is in the “hundredths” place because it’s one-hundredth of the whole.

∴ In 0.75, you have 7 tenths and 5 hundredths.

Expanded Form of Decimals

Expanded form of decimals shows the value of each digit based on its place value. For example, in the decimal 0.75, the expanded form is 0.70 + 0.05, indicating the value of each digit.

Here, 0.7 represents 7 is at tenth place and 0.05 represents 5 is at hundredth place. This expanded form can also be written as [Tex]\frac{7} {10} + \frac{5}{100}[/Tex]

Decimals Properties

The properties of decimals under multiplication and division operations are as follows:

• Product of any two decimal numbers remains the same regardless of the order of multiplication.

• Multiplying a whole number by a decimal number in any order yields the same product.

• When a decimal fraction is multiplied by 1, the result is the decimal fraction itself.

• Multiplying a decimal fraction by 0 results in a product of zero (0).

• Dividing a decimal number by 1 yields the decimal number as the quotient.

• Dividing a decimal number by itself results in a quotient of 1.

• Division of a decimal number by 0 is not possible, as the reciprocal of 0 does not exist.

Types of Decimals

There are three basic types of decimals in maths. These are:

• Recurring Decimals
• Non-Recurring Decimals
• Decimal Fractions

Recurring Decimals

Recurring decimals are numbers that have a repeating pattern of one or more digits after the decimal point. The repetition is indicated by a bar placed over the repeating part. For example, the recurring decimal representation of 1/3 is 0.333…, denoted as 0.[Tex]\bar{3}[/Tex]

Non-Recurring Decimals

Non-recurring decimals are numbers where the decimal expansion does not repeat. The digits after the decimal point do not form a recurring pattern. An example is 0.274, where the digits 2, 7, and 4 do not repeat in a predictable manner.

Decimal Fractions

Decimal fractions are numbers that fall between two consecutive integers on the number line and are expressed in decimal form. These numbers have a finite number of digits after the decimal point. For example, in the decimal fraction 0.75, the digits 7 and 5 represent the fractional part, and there is no recurring or infinite pattern.

Arithmetic Operations on Decimals

Arithmetic operations on decimals involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, following similar principles as whole numbers.

Addition and Subtraction of Decimal Numbers

• To add or subtract decimals, align them based on the decimal point.
• Perform the operation as usual, treating the decimals as if they were whole numbers.
• Place the decimal point in the result directly below the aligned decimals.

Multiplication of Decimal Numbers

• Multiply decimals as if they were whole numbers, disregarding the decimal points.
• Count the total decimal places in the factors.
• Place the decimal point in the product, counting from the right, equal to the total decimal places.

Division of Decimal Numbers

• Similar to multiplication, perform division as if the decimals were whole numbers.
• Count the total decimal places in both the dividend and divisor.
• Move the decimal point in the quotient to make it a whole number, then adjust accordingly.

Rounding Decimals

Rounding decimals means approximating a decimal number to a specified place value. For example, rounding 3.78 to the nearest tenth results in 3.8, as it is closer to 3.8 than 3.7.

Rule of Rounding Decimals

The rule for rounding decimals is to identify the desired decimal place, look at the digit immediately to its right, and round up if that digit is 5 or greater, rounding down if it is 4 or less. For instance, rounding 3.78 to the nearest tenth gives 3.8, as the digit in the hundredths place (8) is greater than 5.

Rounding Decimals to Nearest Tenth

Rounding decimals to the nearest tenth means you’re making the number simpler by keeping only one digit after the decimal point. For example:

In the decimal 4.72. To round it to the nearest tenth, look at the digit in the hundredths place, which is 2. Since 2 is less than 5, you round down the digit in the tenths place. So, 4.72 rounded to the nearest tenth is 4.7

Rounding Decimals Examples

Rounding decimals involves simplifying them to a specified place value. Here are examples and techniques:

Rounding to Nearest Whole Number:

• For Example 4.78 rounded to the nearest whole number is 5, as the digit in the tenths place is 8 (greater than 5).

Rounding to Nearest Tenth:

• For example 3.46 rounded to the nearest tenth is 3.5, considering the digit in the hundredths place, which is 6(greater than 5).

Rounding to Nearest Hundredth:

• For example 2.934 rounded to the nearest hundredth is 2.93, with the digit in the thousandths place being 4(less than 5).

Comparing Decimals

Comparing decimals involves determining which decimal is greater or smaller. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Compare Whole Numbers

Start by comparing the whole number parts of the decimals. The decimal with the greater whole number is larger. If the whole numbers are the same, move to the decimal places.

Step 2: Compare Decimal Places

Compare the digits in the decimal places from left to right. The first digit where the decimals differ determines the larger number.

Note: If one decimal has fewer decimal places, consider the missing places as zeros when making comparisons.

Example: Compare 3.25 and 3.15

Solution:

• Whole numbers are same (3)

• Compare tenths place (2 vs. 1)

• 3.25 is greater than 3.15

Decimals to Fraction

The conversion of decimal to fraction or vice versa can be performed easily.

Decimal to Fraction Conversion

We can easily convert decimal to fraction by following the given steps:

1. Identify Decimal: Begin by identifying the decimal you want to convert to a fraction.

2. Write Decimal as a Fraction with a Denominator of 1: Express the decimal as a fraction with a denominator of 1. For example, if the decimal is 0.5, write it as 0.5/1

3. Multiply to Eliminate Decimal Places: Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 10, 100, 1000, or any power of 10 sufficient to eliminate the decimal places. For instance, for the decimal 0.5, multiply both numerator and denominator by 10 to get 5/10

4. Simplify Fraction: If possible, simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) and dividing both the numerator and denominator by it. In the example, 5/10​ can be simplified to 1/2​ by dividing both by 5.

Fraction to Decimal Conversion

To convert a fraction into decimal, it needs simple division of numerator by denominator.

For Example: To convert 3/4 into decimal we need to divide 3 by 4, this will give us 0.75.

Decimal Conversion Examples

Few examples of Decimal Conversion are as follow:

1. Convert 1/4 to decimal.

Solution:

To convert the fraction 1/4 into a decimal, you can divide 1 by 4:

1/4 =0.25

Therefore, 1/4 as a decimal is 0.25

2. Express the percentage 25% as a decimal.

Solution:

25% can be written as 25/100 in fraction
on solving we get 1/2

1/2= 0.5

3. Convert the mixed number [Tex]2 \frac{1}{4}[/Tex] into a decimal.

Solution:

Convert [Tex]2 \frac{1}{4}[/Tex] into whole fraction as [(4 × 2) + 1]/4

= 9/4

Now divide 9 by 4 we get

= 2.25

4. Represent the repeating decimal 1/3 as a fraction.

Solution:

To convert the fraction 1/3 into a decimal, you can divide 1 by 3:

1/3 =0.3333….

Therefore, 1/3 as a decimal is 0.3333……, this is a non terminating repeating decimal representation.

Solved Examples on Decimals

Example 1: Compare 4.67 and 4.678. Which decimal is greater, and by how much?

Solution:

To compare 4.67 and 4.678:

Both decimals have the same whole number part (4), so we move to the decimal place. In the decimal place, 678 is greater than 67.

Therefore, 4.678 is greater than 4.67. The difference between them is 0.008.

Example 2: Convert the fraction 3/5 into a decimal.

Solution:

To convert fraction 3/5 into a decimal, you can divide 3 by 5:

3/5 =0.6

Therefore, 3/5 as a decimal is 0.6.

Example 3: Express the decimal 4.267 in expanded form.

Solution:

4.267= 4×10⁰+2×10⁻¹+6×10⁻²+7×10⁻³

Example 4: Add 0.25, 1.6, and 4.75

Solution:

0.25 + 1.6 + 4.75

= 0.25 + 1.60 + 4.75

= 6.60

Practice Questions on Decimals

Q1. Compare 0.325 and 0.53. Determine the relationship between these decimals and express it using the symbols “>” or “<“.

Q2. Express the ratio 7:9 as a decimal.

Q3. Write the expanded form of the decimal 0.825.

Q4. Add the decimals 2.34 and 1.89.

Q5. Subtract 0.56 from 3.72.

Q6. Multiply 0.25 by 4.

Decimals Frequently Asked Questions

What does Decimal 0.5 Mean?

The decimal 0.5 represents the half or 1/2 in fraction.

What is 1 Decimal Place?

1 decimal place represents the tenth place in a number, it is the first digit after decimal point.

How to Convert 1/4 into Decimals?

To convert 1/4 to decimals, divide 1 by 4. The result is 0.25. In decimal form, 1/4 is equal to 0.25.

What is Difference Between Decimals and Fractions?

Decimals and fractions both represent parts of a whole, but decimals are expressed in base-10 notation, while fractions are ratios of integers. Decimals use a decimal point, while fractions use a numerator and denominator.

How to Round Decimals in Mathematical Calculations?

To round decimals, determine the desired decimal place and look at the digit to its right. If the digit is 5 or greater, round up; if less than 5, round down.

What are Examples of Non-Terminating Decimals?

Examples of non-terminating decimals include the recurring decimals like 1/3 (0.333…) and irrational numbers like the square root of 2 (1.41421356…).

How are Decimals Used in Our Daily Lives?

Decimals are used in various aspects of daily life, such as shopping (pricing), cooking (measurement), and financial transactions (currency). They provide a precise way to represent quantities that fall between whole numbers.

What Decimal Means?

Decimal is a fraction written in a special form, using a decimal point. For example: 1/4 in decimal form can be wriiten as 0.25.

What is Decimal Place in Math?

In mathematics, a decimal place refers to the position of a digit to the right of the decimal point in a decimal number. Each place represents a power of 10, and the value of the digit is determined by its position. For example, in the number 23.456, the digit 2 is in the tenths place.

What are Types of Decimals?

There are primarily three types of decimals – decimal fractions, terminating decimals and non-terminating decimals. Terminating decimals have a finite number of digits after the decimal point, while non-terminating decimals continue indefinitely without repeating. Non-terminating decimals can further be categorized as repeating or non-repeating, based on whether certain digits repeat in a pattern or not.