- Decimal Fractions : Fractions in which denominators are powers of 10 are known as decimal
fractions.
Thus ,1/10=1 tenth=.1;1/100=1 hundredth =.01;
99/100=99 hundreths=.99;7/1000=7 thousandths=.007,etc
- Conversion of a Decimal Into Vulgar Fraction : Put 1 in the denominator under the decimal
point and annex with it as many zeros as is the number of digits after the decimal point. Now,
remove the decimal point and reduce the fraction to its lowest terms.
Thus, 0.25=25/100=1/4;2.008=2008/1000=251/125.
- Annexing zeros to the extreme right of a decimal fraction does not change its value
Thus, 0.8 = 0.80 = 0.800, etc.
- If numerator and denominator of a fraction contain the same number of decimal
places, then we remove the decimal sign.
Thus, 1.84/2.99 = 184/299 = 8/13; 0.365/0.584 = 365/584=5
- Operations on Decimal Fractions :
- Addition and Subtraction of Decimal Fractions : The given numbers are so
placed under each other that the decimal points lie in one column. The numbers
so arranged can now be added or subtracted in the usual way.
- Multiplication of a Decimal Fraction By a Power of 10 : Shift the decimal
point to the right by as many places as is the power of 10.
Thus, 5.9632 x 100 = 596,32; 0.073 x 10000 = 0.0730 x 10000 = 730.
- Multiplication of Decimal Fractions : Multiply the given numbers considering
them without the decimal point. Now, in the product, the decimal point is marked
off to obtain as many places of decimal as is the sum of the number of decimal
places in the given numbers.
Suppose we have to find the product (.2 x .02 x .002). Now, 2x2x2 = 8. Sum of
decimal places = (1 + 2 + 3) = 6. .2 x .02 x .002 = .000008.
- Dividing a Decimal Fraction By a Counting Number : Divide the given
number without considering the decimal point, by the given counting number.
Now, in the quotient, put the decimal point to give as many places of decimal as
there are in the dividend.
Suppose we have to find the quotient (0.0204 + 17). Now, 204 ^ 17 = 12. Dividend contains
4 places of decimal. So, 0.0204 + 17 = 0.0012.
- Dividing a Decimal Fraction By a Decimal Fraction : Multiply both the dividend and the
divisor by a suitable power of 10 to make divisor a whole number. Now, proceed as above.
Thus, 0.00066/0.11 = (0.00066*100)/(0.11*100) = (0.066/11) = 0.006
- Comparison of Fractions : Suppose some fractions are to be arranged in ascending or
descending order of magnitude. Then, convert each one of the given fractions in the decimal form,
and arrange them accordingly.
Suppose, we have to arrange the fractions 3/5, 6/7 and 7/9 in descending order.
now, 3/5=0.6,6/7 = 0.857,7/9 = 0.777 ....
- Recurring Decimal : If in a decimal fraction, a figure or a set of figures is repeated
continuously, then such a number is called a recurring decimal.
In a recurring decimal, if a single figure is repeated, then it is expressed by putting a dot on it.
If a set of figures is repeated, it is expressed by putting a bar on the set
Thus 1/3 = 0.3333... = 0.3; 22 /7 = 3.142857142857.....= 3.142857
Pure Recurring Decimal: A decimal fraction in which all the figures after the decimal point
are repeated, is called a pure recurring decimal.
Converting a Pure Recurring Decimal Into Vulgar Fraction : Write the repeated figures
only once in the numerator and take as many nines in the denominator as is the number of
repeating figures.
thus ,0.5 = 5/9; 0.53 = 53/59 ;0.067 = 67/999;etc...
Mixed Recurring Decimal: A decimal fraction in which some figures do not repeat and some
of them are repeated, is called a mixed recurring decimal.
e.g., 0.17333.= 0.173.