Contents:

• Conversions:
• Approximation:
  • Exercise:

Conversions: A decimal figure is a representation of a fraction. However a decimal figure is not always as accurate. This is because rounding may be done to limit the decimal's length.

  =  75:100      075

Example: Fraction: . Decimal 075. This decimal figure is accurate.

Example: Fraction: . Decimal 06666 for ever. The decimal figure has to be rounded and can never be accurate. This is a recurring decimal.

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Approximations: When the rules of operation are applied to decimal figures many results have to be rounded to give an acceptable figure to a given amount of decimal places.

Example: 25 + 43 = 68 This decimal figure is accurate.

Example: 2543 = 0581395 etc. This figure has to be rounded ie. to two decimal places. The new result is now 058 but we know this is not an accurate result.

Exercise: Be sure to check the decimal point is in the correct place when multiplying and dividing decimals.

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