In Mathematics, the numbers can be classified into different types, namely real numbers, natural

numbers, whole numbers, rational numbers, and so on. Decimal numbers are among them. It is
the standard form of representing integer and non-integer numbers. In this article, let us discuss
in detail about “ Decimals”, its types, properties, and place value representation of decimal
numbers with many solved examples.

Table of Contents:

 Definition
 Types
 Place Value Representation
 Properties
 Arithmetic Operations on Decimals
 Decimal to Fraction Conversion
 Examples
 FAQs

What are Decimals?

In Algebra, decimals are one of the types of numbers, which has a whole number and the
fractional part separated by a decimal point. The dot present between the whole number and
fractions part is called the decimal point. For example, 34.5 is a decimal number.

Here, 34 is a whole number part and 5 is the fractional part.

“.” is the decimal point.

Let us discuss some other examples.

Here is the number “thirty-four and seven-tenths” written as a decimal number:

The decimal point goes between Ones and Tenths
34.7 has 3 Tens, 4 Ones and 7 Tenths

Types of Decimal Numbers

Decimal Numbers may be of different kinds, namely

Recurring Decimal Numbers (Repeating or Non-Terminating Decimals)

Example-

3.125125 (Finite)

3.121212121212….. (Infinite)

Non-Recurring Decimal Numbers (Non Repeating or Terminating Decimals):

Example:

3.2376 (Finite)

3.137654….(Infinite)
Decimal Fraction- It represents the fraction whose denominator in powers of ten.

Example:

81.75 = 8175/100

32.425 = 32425/1000

Converting the Decimal Number into Decimal Fraction:

For the decimal point place “1” in the denominator and remove the decimal point.

“1” is followed by a number of zeros equal to the number of digits following the decimal point.

For Example:

8 1.7 5

↓↓↓

100

81.75 = 8175/100

8 represents the power of 101 that is the tenths position.

1 represents the power of 100 that is the units position.

7 represents the power of 10-1 that is the one-tenths position.

5 represents the power of 10-2 that is the one-hundredths position.

So that is how each digit is represented by a particular power of 10 in the decimal number.

Place Value in Decimals

The place value system is used to define the position of a digit in a number which helps to
determine its value. When we write specific numbers, the position of each digit is important.

Example:
For instance, let’s consider the number 456.

 The position of “6” is in One’s place, which means 6 ones (i.e. 6).
 The position of “5” is in the Ten’s place, which means 5 tens (i.e. fifty).
 The position of “4” is in the Hundred’s place, which means 4 hundred.
 As we go left, each position becomes ten times greater.
Hence, we read it as “Four hundred fifty-six”.

As we move left, each position is 10 times bigger!

Tens are 10 times bigger than Ones.

Hundreds are 10 times bigger than Tens.

And

Each time we move right every position becomes 10 times smaller from Hundred’s to Ten’s, to
Ones
But if we continue past Ones?

What are 10 times smaller than Ones?

110ths (Tenths) are!

Before that, we should first put a decimal point,

So we already know that where we put that decimal point.

We say the above example as four hundred and fifty-six and eight-tenths but we usually just say
four hundred and fifty-six point eight.

The power of 10 can be found using the following Place Value Chart:

The digits to the left of the decimal point are multiplied with the positive powers of ten in
increasing order from right to left.

The digits to the right of the decimal point are multiplied with the negative powers of 10 in
increasing order from left to right.
Following the same example 81.75

The decimal expansion of this is :

{(8*10)+(1*1)} + {(7*0.1)+(5*0.01)}

Where each number is multiplied by its associated power of ten.

Properties of Decimals
The important properties of decimal numbers under multiplication and division operations are as
follows:

 If any two decimal numbers are multiplied in any order, the product remains the same.
 If a whole number and a decimal number are multiplied in any order, the product remains
the same.
 If a decimal fraction is multiplied by 1, the product is the decimal fraction itself.
 If a decimal fraction is multiplied by 0, the product is zero (0).
 If a decimal number is divided by 1, the quotient is the decimal number.
 If a decimal number is divided by the same number, the quotient is 1.
 If 0 is divided by any decimal, the quotient is 0.
 The division of a decimal number by 0 is not possible, as the reciprocal of 0 does not
exist.

Arithmetic Operation on Decimals

Like integers, the arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
operation can be performed on decimal numbers. Now, let us discuss important tips while
performing arithmetic operations.

Addition

While adding decimal numbers, line up the decimal points of the given numbers and add the
numbers. If a decimal point is not visible (i.e., whole numbers), the decimal is behind the
number.

Subtraction
Similar to the addition of decimal numbers, line up the decimal point of the given numbers, and
subtract the values. To perform the arithmetic operation, use place holding zeros for our
reference.

Multiplication

Multiply the given numbers like integers, as if the decimal point is not present. Find the product
and count up how many numbers are present after the decimal point in both the numbers. The
count represents how many numbers are required after the decimal point in the product value.

Division

To simply divide the decimal numbers, move the decimal point in the numbers such that the
number becomes the whole numbers. Now, perform the division operation like the integer
division.

Related Links

Decimals Word Problems Square Root Of Decimals

Addition And Subtraction In Decimals Application of Decimals in Daily Life

Decimal to Fraction Conversion

The conversion of decimal to fraction or fraction to decimal values can be performed easily.
Now, we will discuss both the conversion methods below:

Decimal to Fraction Conversion

We know the numbers after the decimal point represents the tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and
so on. Thus, while converting decimal to fraction, write down the decimal numbers in the
expanded form and simplify the values

For example, 0.75

The expanded form of 0.75 is 75 x (1/100) = 75/100 = 3/4.

Fraction to Decimal Conversion

To convert the fraction to the decimal, simply divide the numerator by denominator.

For example, 7/2 is a fraction. If it’s divided, we get 3.5.

Decimal Problems
Example 1:

Convert 8/10 in decimal form.

Solution:

To convert fraction to decimal, divide 8 by 10, we get the decimal form.

Thus, 8/10 = 0.8

Hence, the decimal form of 8/10 is 0.8

Example 2:

Express 1.25 in fraction form.

Solution:

The given decimal number is 1.25

The expanded form of 1.25 is

= 125 x (1/100)

= 125 /100

=5/4

Hence, the equivalent fraction for 1.25 is 5/4.

Frequently Asked Questions on Decimals

Q1
What is meant by decimals?

Decimals are the numbers, which consist of two parts namely, a whole number part and a
fractional part separated by a decimal point. For example, 12.5 is a decimal number.
Q2

What are the different types of decimals?

The two different types of decimals are:

Terminating decimals (or) Non-recurring decimals
Non-terminating decimals (or) Recurring decimals
Q3

How to convert fractions to decimals?

To convert fractions to decimals, divide the numerator by the denominator value.

Q4

Write the expanded form of 74.2?

The expanded form of 74. 2 is 70 + 4 + (2/10).