Introduction to Writing and Identifying Characteristics of Decimals

A gas station sign is shown. It lists unleaded as 3.999, mid-grade as 4.099, and premium as 4.199.

The price of a gallon of gasoline is written as a decimal number.

Gasoline prices change all the time. They might go down for a period of time, but then they usually rise again. One thing that stays the same is that the price is not usually a whole number. Instead, it is shown using a decimal point to describe the cost in dollars and cents. We use decimal numbers all the time, especially when dealing with money. In this section, we'll explore decimal numbers and how to perform operations using them.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Name decimals
Write decimals
Convert decimals to fractions or mixed numbers
Locate decimals on the number line
Order decimals
Round decimals

readiness quiz

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Name the number [latex]4,926,015[/latex] in words.If you missed this problem, review [link].
Round [latex]748[/latex] to the nearest ten.If you missed this problem, review [link].
Locate [latex]\frac{3}{10}[/latex] on a number line.If you missed this problem, review [link].

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Shared previously

Gas station prices on a sign . Authored by: Mark Turnauckas. Located at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marktee/5648936885/. License: CC BY: Attribution.

CC licensed content, Specific attribution

Prealgebra. Provided by: OpenStax License: CC BY: Attribution. License terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected].

Study Guides > Prealgebra