Quantities as an ordinary decimal number

  • Thread starter penza
  • Start date
  • Tags
    quantities
In summary, a quantity as an ordinary decimal number is a numerical value that represents a specific amount or measurement, written in the decimal form. It can be represented using the decimal system, where each digit's position has a value. Some quantities, like irrational numbers, cannot be accurately represented as ordinary decimal numbers. To compare quantities with different units, they can be converted to the same unit of measurement. Quantities can also be rounded to simplify them or make them easier to work with, but this may introduce some error in the value.
  • #1
penza
13
0
Express the following quantities as an ordinary decimal number:
a) The sun has a diameter of 1.392 * 10^6
I get 1392000.
b) 8.4*10^-6
I get 0.000084
Is this right
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
a) yes
b) no
 
  • #3
In b, count the decimal places again!
 

FAQ: Quantities as an ordinary decimal number

What is a quantity as an ordinary decimal number?

A quantity as an ordinary decimal number is a numerical value that represents a specific amount or measurement. It is written in the decimal form, with a decimal point separating the whole number and its decimal fraction.

How is a quantity represented as an ordinary decimal number?

A quantity can be represented as an ordinary decimal number by using the decimal system, where each digit has a value based on its position in the number. The first digit to the left of the decimal point represents the whole number, while the digits to the right represent the decimal fraction.

Can all types of quantities be represented as ordinary decimal numbers?

No, some quantities cannot be accurately represented as ordinary decimal numbers. For example, irrational numbers such as pi (3.14159...) or square roots (e.g. √2) cannot be fully expressed as a decimal number because their decimal representation is infinite and non-repeating.

How are quantities with different units compared when represented as ordinary decimal numbers?

Quantities with different units can be compared when represented as ordinary decimal numbers by converting them to the same unit of measurement. This allows for a more accurate and meaningful comparison between the quantities.

Can quantities as ordinary decimal numbers be rounded?

Yes, quantities as ordinary decimal numbers can be rounded to a certain number of decimal places. This is commonly done to simplify the number or to make it easier to work with in calculations. However, rounding can also introduce a small amount of error in the value of the quantity.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
407
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top