decimal notation

1. A representation of a fraction or other real number using the base ten and consisting of any of the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and a decimal point. Each digit to the left of the decimal point indicates a multiple of a positive power of ten, while each digit to the right indicates a multiple of a negative power of ten. For example, the number 26 37/100 can be written in decimal notation as 26.37, where 2 represents 2 × 10, 6 represents 6 × 1, 3 represents 3 × 1/10 or 3/10, and 7 represents 7 × 1/100 or 7/100.

Example Sentences

Writing this number in ordinary decimal notation, however, would require more elementary particles than are probably contained in the universe, even employing just one particle per digit.

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They do not as a rule deduce the method of manipulation from their knowledge of decimal notation.

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It has the advantage of the decimal notation, with the embarrassment of the negative sign.

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"Dos reales" was the price of that piece of lavish entertainment, the old twopence-halfpenny still holding sway in out-districts against the more modern decimal notation.

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The want of decimal notation, and the consequent clumsiness of the system of numeration, would go far to preclude the improvement of arithmetic, or any science into which calculation entered.

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