A decimal number is read by stating the value of each digit in the number, starting from the left and moving to the right. For example, the number 3.14 is read as "three point one four."
The decimal expansion of a number is the representation of that number in base 10, using a decimal point and digits 0-9. This allows for numbers to be expressed in a more precise manner compared to other number systems, such as fractions or Roman numerals.
To determine which number is where in the decimal expansion, we use the place value system. The digits to the left of the decimal point represent whole numbers, while the digits to the right of the decimal point represent fractions of a whole. Each digit's place value is determined by its position in the number, with the first digit being in the ones place, the second digit in the tens place, and so on.
Yes, decimal numbers can be negative. The negative sign is placed before the whole number part of the decimal, and the digits to the right of the decimal point remain positive. For example, -1.5 is a negative decimal number.
The decimal point is a critical component of a decimal number as it separates the whole number part from the fractional part. It also indicates the place value of each digit to the right of the decimal point, with the first digit being in the tenths place, the second digit in the hundredths place, and so on. The decimal point allows us to express numbers in a more precise manner and perform operations on them, such as addition and subtraction.