How to convert a whole number into a decimal?

Answer: To convert a whole number into a decimal, simply add a decimal point and zero after the number.

For Example:

Given that the whole number is 5.
Add a decimal and a zeros to the right side of the whole number.
5 = 5.0
Hence, the decimal number is 5.0

Also Read :

• Convert Decimal To Mixed Number
• How to change a percent to a whole number?
• How to change a fraction into a whole number?

Number System

The number system is defined as the system to represent different numbers. It is a mathematical representation of a given set of numbers by using digits or different numbers in a fixed manner. It helps to represent every number uniquely and shows the arithmetic structure of the figures.

A number is defined as a mathematical value that is used for counting, measuring or labeling objects. Numbers are used to performing mathematical calculations. There are different types of numbers, natural numbers, whole numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, etc.

Types of Numbers

• Natural Numbers are the counting numbers that have a set of positive integers from 1 to infinity. Natural numbers are represented by N. For eg- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...
• Whole Numbers are a set of numbers with all-natural numbers and zero. They are represented by W. For eg- 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...
• Integersare the set of whole numbers with a negative set of natural numbers. They are represented by Z. For eg- ..., -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...
• Real Numbers are any number positive integers, negative integers, decimal numbers, fractions without imaginary numbers are known as real numbers. They are represented by R. For eg- 0.34, 6/7, 0, -11, 20, etc.
• Rational Numbers are written as the ratio of one number over another number (p/q). They are represented by Q. For eg- 7/2, 5/3, 8/9, etc.
• Irrational Numbers are numbers that cannot be expressed in the form of p/q. They are represented by P. For eg- √2, pi, etc.

Decimal Numbers

A decimal number is defined as a number whose whole number and fraction part are separated by a decimal. The dot between the whole number and the fraction part is known as a decimal. For eg- 44.9 is a decimal number.

Here, the number before the decimal is 44 and it is the whole number part and the number after the decimal is 9 and it is the fractional part of the decimal number.

Types of Decimal Numbers

Recurring decimal numbers are the numbers that have repeating fraction parts. They are also of two types, finite and infinite. For eg- 1.231231231231... (Infinite) and 3.125125 (Finite).

Non-recurring decimal numbers are the numbers that do not have repeating fraction parts. They are also of two types, finite and infinite For eg- 6.32521353... (infinite) and 5.345 (finite).

Steps to convert a whole number into a decimal:

• Step 1: Check if the given number is a whole number or not.
• Step 2: Determine the number of digits required after the decimal point.
• Step 3: Add a decimal and zeroes equal to the number of digits required after the decimal point to the right side of the whole number.

Similar Questions on Conversions

Question 1: Convert 87 into decimal to the thousandth place.

Solution:

Given that the whole number is 87
Add a decimal and three zeros to the right side of the whole number.
87 = 87.000
Hence, the decimal number is 87.000.

Question 2: Convert 3 into decimal to the tenth place.

Solution:

Given that the whole number is 3.

Add a decimal and one zero to the right side of the whole number.
3 = 3.0
Hence, the decimal number is 3.0.

Related Article

• Number System
• Number System and Base Conversion

Conclusion

• A whole number can be converted into a decimal by adding a decimal point followed by zero(s)
  For example, 5 becomes 5.0 or 5.00.
• This conversion is useful when:
  a) Performing calculations that require decimal precision.
  b) Aligning whole numbers with decimal values in mathematical operations.
  c) Formatting data for consistency in tables, charts, or spreadsheets.
• Express Whole number as decimals helps in:
  a) Everything arithmetic
  b) Advanced maths topics such as measurement, statistics, or scientific notation.
• Knowing how to write whole numbers in decimal form is essential for building a strong foundation in maths.