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Math: Basic Tutorials : Decimals

Decimals

Decimals play a crucial role in healthcare calculations. Decimal notation represents numbers in base-10, with each digit’s position indicating a specific power of 10. Understanding decimal notation is key to working with smaller quantities and ensuring accuracy in client care.

This section will cover decimal notation, rounding techniques, and converting between fractions and decimals. You'll also learn how to perform arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—using decimals. Through clear examples, this section will help you confidently apply decimal calculations in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Decimals

Decimal Notation

The decimal point is a crucial marker in the place value system, separating whole numbers from fractional values. Digits to the left represent whole numbers, while those to the right indicate fractional parts such as tenths , hundredths, and so on.

place value chart showing numbers in their written and numeric forms. hundreds=100, tens=10, ones=1, tenths=1/10, hundredths=1/100, thousandths=1/1000, ten-thousandths=1/10 000, hundred-thousandths=1/100 000 - opens in a new window


Click on the titles below to view each example.

Converting between Fractions & Decimals

The decimal place value determines how to convert a decimal into a fraction. To convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal as a numerator over a denominator based on its place value, then simplify if needed.

Rounding Decimal Notation

To round to a certain place:

  • Locate the digit in that place.
  • Consider the next digit to the right.
  • If the digit to the right is 5 or greater, round up; if the digit to the right is 4 or lower, keep digit the same.

Click on the titles below to view each example.

Decimal Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—are essential for the calculations you’ll encounter daily. Learning to apply these operations with decimals ensures accurate results and precise measurements.


Click on the titles below to view each example.