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Using Decimals
Using Decimals A decimal is a number that uses places, like our usual whole numbers, but with places instead of whole numbers. These places tell us h...
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Using Decimals A decimal is a number that uses places, like our usual whole numbers, but with places instead of whole numbers. These places tell us h...
A decimal is a number that uses places, like our usual whole numbers, but with places instead of whole numbers. These places tell us how many times a unit is repeated.
For example, consider the number 5.37.
5 is in the first place, meaning it is repeated 5 times.
0.3 is in the second place, meaning it is repeated 3 times.
0.07 is in the third place, meaning it is repeated 7 times.
So, 5.37 can be written as 5 + 0.3 + 0.07.
This shows that 5.37 is equivalent to the sum of 5, 0.3, and 0.07.
Here are some ways to add, subtract, and compare decimals:
Adding decimals is like adding whole numbers, but with more digits. For example, 5.37 + 0.12 = 5.49.
Subtracting decimals is like subtracting whole numbers, but with more digits. For example, 5.37 - 0.23 = 5.14.
Comparing decimals is like comparing whole numbers, but with more digits. For example, 5.37 is greater than 5.14.
Here are some additional points to remember about decimals:
A decimal point can be anywhere in the number, except before the first digit.
A decimal point can be repeated as many times as needed.
The place value of each digit tells us how much it is worth.
There are different symbols for different places, like "tenths," "hundredth," "thousandth," etc.
By understanding how to use decimals, you can perform many calculations with greater accuracy and precision