Decimal - GCSE Maths Definition

A decimal is a way of writing numbers that includes a point, known as the decimal point, to show values less than one. It is often used to represent fractions and more precise measurements.

For example, the number 3.5 is a decimal where the 3 is a whole number and the 5 after the decimal point represents 5/10 or one half. Decimals are useful in many real-life situations, like money, where £2.50 means two pounds and fifty pence. Understanding decimals is important for calculating and comparing values accurately in GCSE Maths.