Words / B2

DES-iml/ˈdesɪml/

A decimal is a number using tenths, hundredths, and so on, written with a decimal point; as an adjective, based on ten: a decimal fraction; the decimal system. Place value is the related skill; fraction is another form of the same amount. Give the answer as a decimal if the paper asks, then show the place value. Mix-up: decimal vs decibel; dozen (base twelve); do not write decimal for a “round number” with no point.

Meaning

A number using tenths, hundredths, and so on, written with a decimal point; as an adjective, based on ten.

Examples

• “Give the answer as a decimal if the paper asks, then show the place value.”
• “Decimal currency featured in the 1971 source, which is the base-ten money sense — still name the year.”

Good to know

a decimal; decimal point / place; the decimal system. Related: fraction / place value. Trap: decibel. Maths and history (decimalisation). A number with a decimal point, or based on ten — show the places.

Near in meaning

fraction, tenth, place value

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