DECIMALS

Key Points
1. The fractions in which the denominators are 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 etc. are known as
decimal fractions. All fractions with 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 etc. as denominators can be
written in decimal notation and vice-versa.
2. A decimal has a whole number part and a decimal part which are separated by the decimal
point.

3. In a decimal number, the number of digits contained in the decimal part gives its number
of decimal places.

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4. To convert a fraction having denominator 10 or 100 or 1,000 into a decimal, we write the
numerator and mark decimal point after one place or two places or three places
respectively from right towards left.

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If the denominator is none of 10, 100 or 1,000, then we first convert the given fraction into
an equivalent fraction with denominator 10, 100 or 1,000.

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5. To convert a decimal into a fraction, we write the decimal without the decimal point as
the numerator of the fraction. For the denominator, write 1 followed by as many zeros as
there are decimal places in the given decimal. Simplify the fraction thus obtained.

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6. Decimals having the same number of decimal places are called like decimals. Decimals
having different numbers of decimal places are called unlike decimals.
7. Putting any number of zeroes to the extreme right side of the decimal part of a decimal
does not change the value of the decimal.

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8. To compare two decimals, we first convert them into like decimals and then compare their
whole number parts. The decimal with greater whole number part is greater. If the whole
number parts are equal, then compare their tenths digits. The decimal with bigger digit
at tenths place is greater. If the tenths digits are equal, then compare the hundredths
digits and so on.
9. To add or subtract decimals, we proceed as follows.
(i) Convert the given decimals into like decimals.
(ii) Write the decimals one below the other, so that the decimal points of all the decimals
are in the same column. The digits having the same place values should be in the
same column.
(iii) Add or subtract exactly as in the case of whole numbers.
(iv) In the sum or difference put the decimal point exactly below the decimal points in
the given decimals.