Math Term Definition

Decimal
A decimal number is a number with a decimal point in it, like these:
1.5 .6 3.14
The number to the left of the decimal is an ordinary whole number. The first number to the right of the decimal is the number of tenths (1/10's). The second is the number of hundredths (1/100's) and so on. So, for the number 1.5, this is a shorthand way of writing the mixed number 1 5/10.
3.14 is a shorthand way of writing 3 + 1/10 + 4/100.
Now, here is a problem for you:
Can you write the decimal for 3 3/10?

A decimal can be converted to either a fraction or a percent. The following table shows you how to convert between fractions, decimals and percents:

... to a fraction ... to a decimal ... to a percent
From a fraction ... Divide the numerator of the fraction by the denominator
Example 3/4: divide 3 by 4 to get .75 Convert to a decimal, then multiply by 100
Example: 3/4 is the decimal .75
.75 X 100 = 75%
From a decimal ...

If the decimal has 1 number past the decimal ===> Multiply by 10 to get the numerator and make the denominator 10
Example: .7 X 10 = 7
Fraction is 7/10
If the decimal has 2 numbers past the decimal ===> Multiply by 100 to get the numerator and make the denominator 100
Example: .72 X 100 = 72
Fraction is 72/100
If the decimal has 3 numbers past the decimal ===> Multiply by 1000 to get the numerator and make the denominator 1000
Example: .725 X 1000 = 725
Fraction is 725/1000
Multiply the decimal by 100
Example: .38 X 100 = 38%
From a percent ... Make a fraction by making the percent the numerator
with a denominator of 100
Example: 38% = 38/100 Divide the percent by 100
Example: 38%: divide 38 by 100 to get .38

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