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GCSE Mathematics · key term
The point separating the units digit from the tenths digit in a decimal number.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification N2 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
Revise: Place Value and Decimal CalculationsThe decimal point is a separator, not a place-value column. It separates whole units from parts of a unit: the units and tenths positions are adjacent, with the point between them. To its right are tenths, then hundredths, thousandths and ten-thousandths.
Specification N2 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
The mark separating the ones from the tenths in a decimal number.
When comparing, adding or subtracting decimals, write the numbers vertically with their decimal points aligned. Add placeholder zeros if they make the columns clearer.
When multiplying or dividing by a power of 10, move the digits through a place-value chart; do not use the unreliable rule that the decimal point or zeros simply ‘move’.
In addition and subtraction, line up decimal points so that digits with the same place value are combined.
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The decimal point separates the ones from the tenths: in 4,376.052, the 5 means five hundredths, or 0.05.