Applications of Decimals: Introduction, Types, Uses, Examples

Application of Decimals: We have different types of numbers, such as whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, etc., in mathematics. A decimal number is one of the types of numbers that help us represent integers and non-integer numbers. In our daily life, decimals have a wide range of applications. Especially decimals are used where precision is required in the calculation.

In decimal numbers, a symbol dot \((.)\) is used to separate the whole number and the fractional number, which is called the decimal point. In this article, let us learn the applications of decimals in detail.

What are Decimals?

The decimal number is one of the types of numbers that help us represent integers and non-integer numbers. Decimals are the set of numbers written together by using the decimal point in between them. Decimal numbers are used to write the whole numbers and fractional values together with the help of decimal points. In decimal numbers, a symbol dot \((.)\) is used to separate the whole number and the fractional number, which is called the decimal point.

The numbers that lie towards the right of the decimal point are called decimal numbers, and the number that lies towards the left side of the decimal point is called the whole numbers or integers.

Example:
\(3.45, 23.27\)

Types of Decimals

Based on the number of digits and type of digits that occur after a decimal point, decimal numbers are divided into three types: terminating and non-terminating (recurring, non-recurring) decimals.

Terminating Decimals: These numbers have a finite number of digits. This will end up with some digits after a decimal point.

Example: \(2.34567\)

Non-Terminating decimals: These numbers have an infinite number of digits. This will not end up with some digits after a decimal point.

1. Recurring: The digit or pattern of digits that are repeating infinitely after a decimal point are called recurring decimals.
2. Non-recurring: The digit or series of digits that are not repeating after a decimal point are called non-recurring decimals.

Uses of Decimals

There are many uses of decimals. Some of them are listed below.

1. Decimals are used for checking rational numbers or irrational numbers.
2. They are used to convert fractions, percentages, ratios and vice-versa.
3. We also use decimals for measuring length, weight, area, volume etc.
4. Decimals are widely used in precise calculations.
5. We use decimals to represent some numbers on a number line.

Applications of Decimals

Decimals are the set of numbers written together by using the decimal point in between them. In our daily life, decimals have a wide range of applications. Specially decimals are used, where precision is required in the calculation.

For example: Let us consider you bought ice cream from the vendor for \(Rs.20\) and \(50\) paise. We can write this total cost by using the decimals as \(Rs.20.50\). We have many such applications where we can use decimals without even recognising them. Let us discuss some of the applications of the decimals below:

1. Mathematics: Decimals play a vital role in mathematics, especially in the branches like number systems, mensuration, geometry etc. To find the area and volume of the objects, we use decimals.

2. Money: One of the best applications of decimals is dealing with money. We often use decimals to represent the money. In many situations, we come across a conversion of rupees to paise and paise to rupees. Most of our bills use decimals. For example, the cost of potatoes is \(41 \,\text {rupees} \,50 \,\text {paise}=41.50 \,\text {rupees}\).
Even dollars also represents the decimals in their billing system. Dollars are made with cents.

3. Length: We often use decimals to measure the length and height precisely, also in the conversion of length from one unit to another unit.
For example, The height of the person is \(165 \mathrm{~cm}\) and \(2 \mathrm{~mm}\). Then, his total height is given by \(165.2 \mathrm{~cm}\).

4. Weight: We often use decimals in dealing with weight calculations precisely. The exact weight of objects sometimes will not be whole numbers. In such cases, to measure the weight, we use decimals.
For example, the weight of apples is \(3 \,\text {kg}\) and \(500 \,\text {g}\), and it can be written as \(3.5 \,\text {kg}\).

5. Calculation: Decimals are used for calculation all the time. For more precise and accurate calculations, scientists and engineers used decimals. In the gas filling, the meter shows the reading in decimals. Even the odometer of the car also shows the speed of the car in decimals.

6. Sports: Decimals have a lot of applications in sports. Decimals are everywhere in sports. Decimals are used to calculate the speed of the athlete, speed of the balls in cricket, time taken in running, calculating scores and also finding the winning percentage etc.

7. Fitness: Nowadays, more people getting fitness and health-conscious. This means people are following their food habits based on the calories. Calories of the food items can be represented using decimals for accuracy. Even BMI (body mass index) also uses decimals for accurate values. The different types of equipment in the gym, such as trade mill, dumbles etc., use decimals for readings.

8. Medical: The decimals have various applications in the field of medicine. Chemical engineers use decimals to mix the compounds or chemicals in the medicines. The various types of equipment used in the hospitals show their readings in decimals for more accurate, precise calculations.

9. Constructions: Decimals are also used in the field of construction. Decimals are used to know the exact area of the building or plot and also to know the exact quantity of the materials. 

10. Jewellery: Precise measurements are required when it comes to valuable materials like diamonds, gold etc. You might have observed the various tags associated with the necklaces to represent the amount of gold used to make those items. To represent this, decimals are used.

Solved Examples – Applications of Decimals

Q.1. Ramu went to the market to buy potatoes, and he bought \(4 \,\text {kg}\) from one shop and \(500 \,\text {g}\) from another shop. How many potatoes did he buy in total? (Express the result in \(\text {kg}\)).
Ans: Given Ramu bought \(4 \,\text {kg}\) from one shop and \(500 \,\text {g}\) from another shop.

The total weight of potatoes he bought is \(4 \mathrm{~kg}+500 \mathrm{~g}\)
Convert the grams to kilograms: \(1000 \mathrm{~g}=1 \mathrm{~kg}\).
So, the total weight of potatotes \(=4 \mathrm{~kg}+\frac{500}{1000} \mathrm{~kg}=4.5 \mathrm{~kg}\).
Thus, in total, Ramu bought \(4.5 \mathrm{~kg}\) of potatoes.

Q.2. In a \(400 \mathrm{~m}\) running race, Avinash runs \(250 \mathrm{~m}\) and \(60 \mathrm{~cm}\) in \(3\, \mathrm{sec}\). How much distance he left to run in the race.
Ans:
Total distance to be travelled in a running race \(=400 \mathrm{~m}\).
Avinash runs \(250 \mathrm{~m}\) and \(60 \mathrm{~cm}\).
Convert the \(\mathrm{cm}\) to \(\mathrm{m}: 100 \mathrm{~cm}=1 \mathrm{~m}\).
So, the distance travelled by Avinash \(=250 \mathrm{~m}+\frac{60}{100} \mathrm{~m}=250 \mathrm{~m}+0.6 \mathrm{~m}=250.6 \mathrm{~m}\)
The distance left to be run \(=400 \mathrm{~m}-250.6 \mathrm{~m}=149.4 \mathrm{~m}\).
So, Avinash needs to run \(149.4 \mathrm{~m}\) more to complete the race.

Q.3. Asit wants to follow the strict diet schedule as suggested by the nutritionist. He takes \(200\, \mathrm{cal}\) and \(0.5 \,\mathrm{cal}\) food as breakfast. How much food does he intake at breakfast time? (Express the result in cal).
Ans:
Given Asit takes \(200 \,\mathrm{cal}\) and \(0.5 \,\mathrm{cal}\) food as breakfast.
Total food he takes \(=200 \,\mathrm{cal}+0.5 \,\mathrm{cal}=200.5 \,\mathrm{cal}\).
Therefore, Asit takes \(200.5 \,\text {cal}\) of food at breakfast.

Q.4. Keerthi went to an exhibition to buy playing tools. She paid \(Rs.105\) and \(60 \,\text {paise}\) to the vendor in total. How many rupees did she pay to the vendor for buying the tools?
Ans:
Given Keerthi paid \(Rs.105\) and \(60 \,\text {paise}\).
Converting paise to rupees: \(Rs. 1=100 \,\text {paise}\)
The total amount she paid \(=R s \cdot 105+R s \cdot \frac{60}{100}=R s .105 .60\)
Therefore, Keerthi paid \(R s .105 .60\) to the vendor for buying the tools.

Q.5. Preethu bought \(4\) ribbons from the shop. The length of each ribbon is \(21.2 \mathrm{~m}\). Find the total length of the ribbon she bought from the shop.
Ans:
Preethu bought \(4\) ribbons, and the given length of each ribbon is \(21.2 \mathrm{~m}\).
Total, she bought \(4\) ribbons.
The total length of ribbons she bought equals the product of a number of pieces and the length of each piece.
Total length \(=4 \times 21.2 \mathrm{~m}=84.8 \mathrm{~m}\).
Therefore, the total length of the ribbon is \(84.8 \mathrm{~m}\).

Summary

In this article, we have studied the definitions of decimals and decimal numbers. This article gives the types of decimals and also the operation of decimals. In this article, we studied the various applications and use of the decimals in detail. This article also gives the solved examples for better understanding.

Learn All the Concepts on Decimal Numbers

FAQs

Q.1. What are decimals?
Ans: Decimals are the set of numbers written together by using the decimal point in between them.

Q.2. What are the uses of decimals in Mathematics?
Ans: Decimals are used everywhere in the calculation. Decimals are used to find the objects’ length, height, weight, area, and volume in accurate and precise measurements.

Q.3. How do you write decimals?
Ans: In decimal numbers, a symbol dot \((.)\) is used to separate the whole number and the fractional number, called the decimal point.

Q.4. What are terminating and non-terminating decimals?
Ans: Terminating decimals end up with some digits after a decimal point. But, non-terminating decimals cannot end up with digits after a decimal point.

Q.5. What are the applications of decimals?
Ans: The applications of decimals are
1. Construction
2. Medicines
3. Money
4. Length, weight, height
5. Calculations
6. Sports

Now you are provided with all the necessary information on the application of decimals and we hope this detailed article is helpful to you. If you have any queries regarding this article, please ping us through the comment section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.