Decimal Definition

In this section, we learn about decimals. We begin with the decimal definition or definition of a decimal fraction, also known as a base 10 fraction. This is a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten (ten raised to a whole number one or larger). We then learn how to convert between a decimal fraction and decimal notation. To go from a decimal fraction to decimal notation, we begin by counting the number of zeros in the denominator. We then delete the denominator and move the decimal point in the numerator to the left by the number of zeros we counted in step one. In the case of going from decimal form to a decimal fraction, we begin by writing any whole number present. Next, we count the number of decimal places. Lastly, we write the decimal part over a denominator that begins with one and is followed by the same number of zeros as decimal places.