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Numbers · Decimal numbers

Decimal Numbers

Before you start, make sure you know: Concept (Math 6)

In a 50-yard freestyle race at a school swim meet, Maya touches the wall at 22.48 seconds and Jada at 22.5 seconds. Jada's number looks shorter, so is she faster? And $\pi = 3.14159\ldots$ never ends and never repeats, so what kind of number is that? In this lesson you will read, compare, and round decimals, sort them into types, and turn repeating decimals into fractions.

Reading and Writing Decimals

A decimal extends place value to the right of the decimal point. Cut a whole into 10 equal parts and each part is a tenth. Cut each tenth into 10 equal parts and each is a hundredth.

A 10 by 10 grid with 37 of the 100 small squares shaded, representing 0.37 or thirty-seven hundredths. 37 of 100 squares 0.37 thirty-seven hundredths
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In a biology laboratory, a student is measuring the thickness of different plant leaves. Write the following decimal numbers obtained in his measurements in figures: a)…

In a biology laboratory, a student is measuring the thickness of different plant leaves. Write the following decimal numbers obtained in his measurements in figures:

  1. a) Twelve units and eight tenths.
  2. b) Seven units and twenty-five hundredths.
  3. c) Zero units and one hundred and four thousandths.
  4. d) Five units and nine ten-thousandths.
Solve
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Observe the following grid representing the unit divided into one hundred equal parts. Indicate what decimal number the orange shaded part represents and how this number…

Observe the following grid representing the unit divided into one hundred equal parts. Indicate what decimal number the orange shaded part represents and how this number is read.

1 unit (100 parts)
Solve

Place Value and Expanded Form

Every place is worth 10 times the place to its right and one-tenth of the place to its left. That is why $0.1 = \tfrac{1}{10}$, $0.01 = \tfrac{1}{100}$, and so on.

Place value chart for 12.3705: 1 in the tens place, 2 in the ones, 3 in the tenths, 7 in the hundredths, 0 in the thousandths and 5 in the ten-thousandths. Tens Ones Tenths Hundredths Thousandths Ten- thousandths 1 2 . 3 7 0 5

Writing a number as a sum of the value of each digit is called expanded form.

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In the Olympic Games, swimming times are measured with great precision. A swimmer has taken $48,052$ seconds to complete an event. Indicate what place each digit…

In the Olympic Games, swimming times are measured with great precision. A swimmer has taken $48,052$ seconds to complete an event. Indicate what place each digit occupies in this number:

  • The $4$ occupies the:

  • The $8$ occupies the:

  • The $0$ occupies the:

  • The $5$ occupies the:

  • The $2$ occupies the:

Solve
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A nanotechnology laboratory measures the thickness of a new synthetic fiber obtaining a value of $0,034825\text{ mm}$. Indicate the place value of each of the digits in…

A nanotechnology laboratory measures the thickness of a new synthetic fiber obtaining a value of $0,034825\text{ mm}$. Indicate the place value of each of the digits in this number and fill in the blanks:

  1. a) The thousandths digit is $...$
  2. b) The number $8$ occupies the place of the $...$
  3. c) The millionths digit is $...$
  4. d) Express the number as a sum of decimal fractions (additive decomposition).
0 , 0 3 4 8 2 5 Units tenths hundredths thousandths ten-thousandths hundred-thousandths millionths 0,034825 = 3 100 + 4 1000 + 8 10000 + 2 100000 + 5 1000000
Solve

Types of Decimals

Some decimals stop, some repeat a block of digits forever, and some do neither. For example, $\sqrt{2} = 1.4142135\ldots$ goes on without any repeating block.

The four types of decimals with an example of each: terminating, pure repeating, mixed repeating and irrational. Terminating: it ends (5.08) Pure repeating: repeats right after the point (2.333...) Mixed repeating: a few digits, then it repeats (0.1666...) Irrational: never ends, never repeats (π = 3.14159...)

Terminating and repeating decimals can always be written as fractions, so they are rational. Square roots of numbers that are not perfect squares, such as $\sqrt{2}$ and $\sqrt{3}$, are irrational. So is $\pi$.

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Classify the following decimal numbers indicating whether they are exact, pure recurring or mixed recurring: a) $4,25$ b) $7,\widehat{3}$ c) $1,02\widehat{5}$ d)…

Classify the following decimal numbers indicating whether they are exact, pure recurring or mixed recurring:

  1. a) $4,25$
  2. b) $7,\widehat{3}$
  3. c) $1,02\widehat{5}$
  4. d) $12,444...$
  5. e) $0,123$
  6. f) $5,6\widehat{12}$
Solve
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Classify the following decimal numbers in the attached table (Exact, Pure Recurring, Mixed Recurring or Irrational): $3,141592...$ (Number $\pi$) $2,15$ $7,444...$…

Classify the following decimal numbers in the attached table (Exact, Pure Recurring, Mixed Recurring or Irrational):

  • $3,141592...$ (Number $\pi$)

  • $2,15$

  • $7,444...$

  • $0,1232323...$

  • $\sqrt{2}$

  • $5,0616161...$

Exact Pure R. Mixed R. Irrational
Solve

From Fractions to Decimals

A fraction is a division: $\tfrac{3}{8}$ means $3 \div 8$. If a shape is cut into equal parts, shaded parts divided by total parts gives the decimal for the shaded region.

Long division shows why some decimals repeat. Take $\tfrac{4}{15}$: $40 \div 15 = 2$ remainder $10$, then $100 \div 15 = 6$ remainder $10$ again. The same remainder came back, so the same digit $6$ will come back forever: $\tfrac{4}{15} = 0.2\overline{6}$. The remainder is always smaller than the denominator, so a remainder must eventually repeat.

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Observe the following figure, where a square of area $1\text{ u}^2$ has been divided into sections. a) Express the orange shaded part in decimal form. b) Express the…

Observe the following figure, where a square of area $1\text{ u}^2$ has been divided into sections.

  1. a) Express the orange shaded part in decimal form.
  2. b) Express the part left blank in decimal form.
  3. c) What type of decimal numbers have you obtained (exact or recurring)?
Total area = 1 u² 1/4 1/8
Solve
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Without performing the division of their terms, indicate what type of decimal number each of the following fractions will generate (exact or recurring). Justify your…

Without performing the division of their terms, indicate what type of decimal number each of the following fractions will generate (exact or recurring). Justify your answer by analyzing the prime factors of the denominator:

  1. a) $\dfrac{7}{40}$
  2. b) $\dfrac{5}{12}$
  3. c) $\dfrac{11}{21}$
  4. d) $\dfrac{3}{250}$
Solve

Comparing and Ordering Decimals

Prices are decimals too: $\$9.08$ is cheaper than $\$9.80$ because 8 cents is less than 80 cents. For any decimals, line up the decimal points and compare place by place.

For race times such as $1{:}24.058$, compare minutes first, then seconds, then the decimal part.

Repeating decimals

Expand enough digits of the repeating decimal to find the first place where the numbers differ.

Four decimals written with seven decimal places and aligned by columns. The third decimal place is highlighted because it is where they first differ. 1.23 1.2323… 1.233 1.2333… → → → → 1.2300000 1.2323232 1.2330000 1.2333333 Third decimal place: 0, 2, 3, 3. The last two tie there, so check the 4th place: 0 < 3. Order: 1.23 < 1.2323… < 1.233 < 1.2333…
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A group of friends is comparing the price of their favorite video games in different online stores. Copy into your notebook and use the signs $<$ , $>$ or $=$ to compare…

A group of friends is comparing the price of their favorite video games in different online stores. Copy into your notebook and use the signs $<$ , $>$ or $=$ to compare the prices found:

  1. a) $\$14,50$ _____ $\$14,05$
  2. b) $\$19,99$ _____ $\$19,990$
  3. c) $\$7,025$ _____ $\$7,25$
  4. d) $\$32,1$ _____ $\$32,098$
Solve
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Order the following decimal numbers from smallest to largest: $$0,52 \quad | \quad 0,509 \quad | \quad 0,6 \quad | \quad 0,521 \quad | \quad 0,5$$

Order the following decimal numbers from smallest to largest:

$$0,52 \quad | \quad 0,509 \quad | \quad 0,6 \quad | \quad 0,521 \quad | \quad 0,5$$
Solve
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In a Formula 1 championship, the qualifying times of four drivers for one lap of the circuit were as follows: Driver A: $1:24,058\text{ s}$ Driver B: $1:24,5\text{ s}$…

In a Formula 1 championship, the qualifying times of four drivers for one lap of the circuit were as follows:

  • Driver A: $1:24,058\text{ s}$

  • Driver B: $1:24,5\text{ s}$

  • Driver C: $1:24,06\text{ s}$

  • Driver D: $1:24,0578\text{ s}$

Order the drivers from fastest to slowest using the signs $>$ or $<$ as appropriate.

Driver Time t h th tth A B C D 1:24, 1:24, 1:24, 1:24, 0 5 8 0 5 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 5 7 8
Solve

Decimals on the Number Line

Between two whole numbers, a number line has 10 equal gaps for tenths. To see hundredths, zoom into one tenth and cut it into 10 more gaps.

A number line from 0 to 1 with a zoom on the segment from 0.3 to 0.4, where the point 0.37 is marked. 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0.30 0.31 0.32 0.33 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.39 0.40 0.37

Drag the points and watch how the order changes along the line:

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Identify which decimal numbers are represented by the letters $A$, $B$ and $C$ on the following number line:

Identify which decimal numbers are represented by the letters $A$, $B$ and $C$ on the following number line:

5,3 5,4 A B C
Solve
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Draw a number line in your notebook and represent the following decimal numbers. For negative numbers, use a different color. $A = 0,4$ $B = -0,25$ $C = 0,85$ $D = -0,7$

Draw a number line in your notebook and represent the following decimal numbers. For negative numbers, use a different color.

$A = 0,4$

$B = -0,25$

$C = 0,85$

$D = -0,7$

−1 −0,5 0 0,5 1 D −0,7 B −0,25 A 0,4 C 0,85
Solve

There Is Always Another Decimal in Between

Ashley and Mark are almost the same height, and $3.27$ and $3.28$ look like neighbors. But look one digit further: $3.271, 3.272, 3.273, \ldots$ all fit between them.

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Three siblings measure their height. Ashley is $1,54$ feet tall and Mark is $1,55$ feet tall. Find a decimal number that lies between Ashley's and Mark's heights.

Three siblings measure their height. Ashley is $1,54$ feet tall and Mark is $1,55$ feet tall. Find a decimal number that lies between Ashley's and Mark's heights.

Solve
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Order the following decimal numbers from least to greatest, justifying your answer by expanding at least four of their decimal places: $A = 2,3\hat{5}$…

Order the following decimal numbers from least to greatest, justifying your answer by expanding at least four of their decimal places:

  • $A = 2,3\hat{5}$

  • $B = 2,\widehat{35}$

  • $C = 2,35$

  • $D = 2,35\hat{3}$

  • $E = 2,355$

Once ordered, find a terminating decimal number and a pure repeating decimal number that lie between the two central values of your list.

Solve

Repeating Decimals as Fractions

Every terminating or repeating decimal is a fraction. For a terminating decimal, write the digits over a power of 10: $0.375 = \tfrac{375}{1{,}000} = \tfrac{3}{8}$. For a repeating decimal, use algebra. Some problems call this finding the generating fraction and ask for an irreducible fraction; in this course we say "write the decimal as a fraction in simplest form."

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Find the generating fraction of the following decimal numbers. You must express the result as an irreducible fraction: a) $1,02\widehat{45}$ b) $0,1\hat{9}$ (Analyze the…

Find the generating fraction of the following decimal numbers. You must express the result as an irreducible fraction:

  1. a) $1,02\widehat{45}$
  2. b) $0,1\hat{9}$ (Analyze the result obtained and reflect on its value).
  3. c) $3,4\hat{6} + 1,\hat{3}$ (Perform the addition using their generating fractions).
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 + 1,3 = + 4/3 3,46 = 52 15 4,8 = 24 5
Solve
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Determine the value of the digit $x$ so that the generating fraction of the decimal number $0,x\hat{6}$ is equivalent to $\frac{7}{15}$. Explain step by step the logical…

Determine the value of the digit $x$ so that the generating fraction of the decimal number $0,x\hat{6}$ is equivalent to $\frac{7}{15}$. Explain step by step the logical process and the operations necessary to find this digit.

0, x 6 = 7 15 Digit x? Recurring part Equivalent fraction
Solve

Using Fractions to Compare and Insert Numbers

Fractions give exact values for repeating decimals, which makes comparing and inserting numbers precise. Irrational numbers can only be approximated, so you place them using decimal digits.

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Insert three rational numbers (in fraction form) between the decimal numbers $0,\hat{7}$ and $0,7\hat{8}$. To solve it, follow these steps: 1. Obtain the generating…

Insert three rational numbers (in fraction form) between the decimal numbers $0,\hat{7}$ and $0,7\hat{8}$.

To solve it, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain the generating fractions of both numbers.

  2. Reduce these fractions to a common denominator.

  3. Find three fractions that lie between them and check that their decimal expressions meet the insertion condition.

Solve
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Represent the following numbers approximately on the number line, but determine exactly which of them is larger using their generating fractions: $X = 1,4\hat{6}$…

Represent the following numbers approximately on the number line, but determine exactly which of them is larger using their generating fractions:

  • $X = 1,4\hat{6}$

  • $Y = \sqrt{2}$ (Use the approximation $1,4142...$)

  • $Z = \frac{11}{7}$

Justify the position of each one on the line by performing the necessary divisions to at least three decimal places.

1,40 1,45 1,50 1,55 1,60 Y = √2 ≈ 1,414... X = 1.46̅ ≈ 1,466... Z = 11/7 ≈ 1,571... Grid resolution: 0.01 units
Solve

Rounding, Truncating, and Absolute Error

Decimals often have too many digits, so we approximate them.

  • Rounding to a place: look at the digit just to its right. If it is $5$ or more, round up. If it is $4$ or less, keep the digit.

  • Truncating to a place: just cut off the digits after that place.

If the remaining digits are all zeros, rounding and truncating give the same answer. For example, $15.250$ becomes $15.25$ either way.

A number line from 3.84 to 3.85 with the midpoint 3.845 and the point 3.8472, which is closer to 3.85. 3.84 3.845 3.85 halfway closer to 3.85 3.8472
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Three friends buy a gift that costs $\$45,75…

Three friends buy a gift that costs $\$45,75$ and decide to pay in equal parts. When dividing the price, they obtain a decimal number.

  1. a) Calculate how much each one must pay.
  2. b) Round the result to the nearest hundredth (cents).
  3. c) Truncate the result to the hundredths.
  4. d) Is there any difference between rounding and truncating in this case? Justify your answer.
Solve
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A carpenter needs to cut a wooden plank with an exact length of $2,4568\text{ meters}$. However, his tape measure only reads to the nearest millimeter. a) What…

A carpenter needs to cut a wooden plank with an exact length of $2,4568\text{ meters}$. However, his tape measure only reads to the nearest millimeter.

  1. a) What measurement will he take if he decides to round to the nearest millimeter?
  2. b) Calculate the absolute error made when making this approximation.
  3. c) Would the absolute error be larger or smaller if he decided to truncate to the hundredths? Explain why.
2,45 2,455 2,46 Exact value 2.4568 m Rounding (mm) 2.457 m Truncating (cm) 2.45 m Error: 0.0002 m Error absoluto: 0.0068 m
Solve

Relative Error and Percent Error

An error of $0.5$ in. is tiny on a 100 in. board but huge on a 10 in. board. Relative error measures the error compared with the size of the true value.

Try different values and numbers of decimal places:

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In a biology laboratory, the size of a microorganism has been measured, obtaining a value of $0,04586$ in. Due to a software error, the microscope shows this approximate…

In a biology laboratory, the size of a microorganism has been measured, obtaining a value of $0,04586$ in. Due to a software error, the microscope shows this approximate value in two different ways:

  • Approximation X: truncated to the thousandths.

  • Approximation Y: rounded to the thousandths.

Calculate the relative error made in each of the two approximations. Which of the two estimates is more precise for the scientific study? Justify your answer by comparing the errors obtained.

Solve
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A surveyor measures the length of a bridge and obtains $125,48$ ft. However, the true measurement is $125,4836$ ft. a) Calculate the absolute error and the relative…

A surveyor measures the length of a bridge and obtains $125,48$ ft. However, the true measurement is $125,4836$ ft.

  1. a) Calculate the absolute error and the relative error of the surveyor's measurement.
  2. b) If for a city hall plan it is decided to round the true measurement to the nearest tenth, what would be the new relative error?
  3. c) Compare both relative errors and explain which of the two measurements (the surveyor's or the plan's) offers a more accurate representation of reality.
Solve

Very Small Numbers in Scientific Notation

Scientists measure things like pollen and viruses, which have a very small mass. Writing that many zeros is hard to read, so we use powers of 10.

To compare masses, first put them in the same unit. Remember that $1\text{ kg} = 1{,}000\text{ g}$, so $1\text{ g} = 10^{-3}\text{ kg}$. Also, $1\text{ hg}$ (hectogram) $= 100\text{ g} = 0.1\text{ kg} = 10^{-1}\text{ kg}$.

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Express the following measurements in scientific notation, which have been taken with different levels of precision. Afterwards, order them from largest to smallest…

Express the following measurements in scientific notation, which have been taken with different levels of precision. Afterwards, order them from largest to smallest mass:

  1. a) The weight of a pollen grain: $0,00000000062$ kg.
  2. b) The mass of a dust particle: $0,00000075$ g.
  3. c) The mass of a virus: $0,0000000000000023$ hg.

Note: Express all quantities in the same unit (kg) before making the comparison.

Solve

Back to the start: pad Jada's time to $22.50$. Since $22.48 < 22.50$ (the tenths digits are $4$ and $5$, and $4 < 5$), Maya was faster. Longer does not mean bigger. And $\pi$ is an irrational number: infinitely many digits with no repeating block.

Summary

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