A decimal uses place values to the right of a decimal point to show amounts smaller than one. Each place is ten times smaller than the one before: tenths, then hundredths, then thousandths.
Math Dictionary / Decimal
Decimal
A decimal is a number written with a decimal point to show parts of a whole.
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What it means
Decimals use place value to represent tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and more.
Also called: decimal number
Examples
| 0.5 = one half |
| 3.14 has a ones place and hundredths place |
| 0.75 = 75/100 |
Common mistake
Line up decimal points before adding or subtracting decimals.
Try one
Question: What fraction equals 0.25?
Show answer
25/100 = 1/4.