Definition of Terms

of an inch are commonly used.

As was discussed in task 1, common fractions may be reduced to higher or to

lower terms. Suppose that it becomes desirable to reduce all fractions to a

standard denominator of 10, 100, 1,000, or even 100,000.

Then 1/4 would

become:

These common fractions are now decimal fractions.

But, instead of

simplifying the work, they have complicated it with long, unhandy

denominators. To relieve this complication, a symbol called a decimal point

is used.

This decimal point serves to eliminate the denominators.

The

problem fraction is then presented in its simplest form.

For instance,

25/100 becomes .25.

The decimal point has now taken the place of the

denominator, which makes it easier to work with.

3.

Definition of Terms

a.

Decimal Point. The point (.) is called the decimal point. It is used

to mark the beginning of the decimal fraction, or to separate it from a

whole number.

b.

Pure Decimal. A decimal fraction containing only decimal places, such

as .025, is a pure decimal. The example reads twenty-five thousandths.

c.

Mixed Decimal.

This is a whole number and a decimal fraction.

For

instance, 1.256 is a mixed decimal.

It reads 1 and two hundred fifty-six

thousandths.

4.

Reading Decimals

Before attempting to read decimals, places should be learned.

A study of

figure 7 on the following page should help. The place in which you write a

decimal point is very important. Each integer (a whole number) in figure 7

is a number 3. Yet, no two of these 3's have like values. The first

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