Pre-Algebra 14.22

The decimal notation that we have learned here is not in itself a number system that is different from the rational fractions that we have already studied. Its purpose mathematically is merely to serve as an alternative form that is more convenient for displaying numbers. In future lessons, we will discover numbers that cannot be shown as rational fractions with a numerator and denominator. For these “irrational” numbers, the decimal system will indeed be the most favored approximate representation that we can devise. For now, it is valuable to understand the purpose, concept, and meaning of the notation as well as its relation to the strict definition of rational numbers.

Decimals

Numbers and Arithmetic

<< - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21

Visual Math Learning is a free educational web site featuring an interactive on-line tutorial for teaching elementary mathematics and basic arithmetic for grades K-12 at the pre-algebra level. It is an instructional aid for parents, teachers, and educators of primary, elementary, and middle school students, as well as a resource for lesson plans, homework help, and home schooling math lessons. The tutorial includes games, puzzles, interactive diagrams, and computer animated virtual manipulatives that emphasize active learning concepts by visualization.