Problem 7 - Algebra 1

Question

Rewrite in decimal form. $$ 39.6 $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The decimal form of '39.6' is '39.6'.

Step 1: Identify the decimal point

The first step is to identify the decimal point in the number '39.6'. The decimal point is the period or dot placed in the number. Here, the decimal point is placed after '39' and before '6'.

Step 2: Write the number in decimal form

The next step is to simply write the number '39.6' in decimal form. As the number already has a decimal point, we don't need to add or remove anything. The decimal form of '39.6' is simply '39.6'.

Key Concepts

Understanding Decimal Numbers

When we talk about decimal numbers, we're referring to a system of numbers that includes a decimal point to represent a whole part and a fractional part. Think of decimal numbers as a way to write fractions and mixed numbers without using a slash or a fraction bar. For example, the number 39.6 is a decimal number. It consists of a whole number part, '39', and a fractional part, '0.6'. In our daily lives, we use decimal numbers all the time – whether it's discussing distances, weights, or currency, understanding how decimals represent values is key to our comprehension of mathematics and its practical applications.

Converting to Decimals

When we convert different forms of numbers into decimal form, we're essentially translating them into a more universally understood format. Converting can involve transforming fractions, mixed numbers, or percentages into decimals. The process varies depending on the starting form, but the goal is always to end up with a number that has a whole part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point. For example, converting the fraction 1/2 to decimal form would be 0.5, as 1 divided by 2 equals 0.5. These conversions are critical for operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division when numbers are of different forms. This interoperability is what makes decimals such an important concept in math.

Understanding the Decimal Point

The decimal point is the cornerstone of decimal numbers. It's a dot that separates the whole number part from the fractional part of a number. Understanding how the decimal point works allow us to accurately represent parts of a whole. Each place to the right of the decimal point represents a fractional part of ten, hundred, thousand, and so on. For example, in the number 39.6, the '6' is in the tenths place, meaning it represents six tenths. The decimal point's placement dictates the value of each digit following it, which is why precision in placing the decimal point cannot be overstated when it comes to dealing with decimal numbers.