decimal number system
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- noun
- /ˈdɛsɪməl ˈnʌmbər ˈsɪstəm/
- Specialized
- The decimal number system uses ten base digits, starting from 0 up to 9, to represent all possible numbers.
Examples
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For example, the fraction 1/10 can be represented in a decimal number system as 0.1.
Blog text (6) -
In the decimal number system, each digit's value depends on its position, allowing for easier calculations.
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Also known as, "0.999 repeating equals exactly 1 in the decimal number system."
Blog text (15) -
When converting fractions to decimal number system, it is often utilized to show their numeric value.
Synonyms
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A number system using digits 0–9 where each place is ten times the one to its right
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A system for writing numbers with the digits 0 to 9
A way to write numbers using ten digits from zero to nine
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a numeration system based on powers of ten' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'decimal' (based on ten) with 'number' and 'system' — the adjective+noun composition clearly signals a numbering system built on ten. This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common and follows straightforward English morphology, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the meaning.
Etymology
The term decimal number system comes from counting on our ten fingers: decimal means 'ten' and people grouped numbers in tens. That's why this system uses digits 0-9 and is so useful for everyday counting.