It will be seen that there are three decimals in the multiplicand and 2 decimals in the multiplier, hence we point off five decimals in the product.
In the operation of division of decimals the decimal point is not considered until the result is obtained. If the number of decimal places in the dividend is less than the number of decimal places in the divisor ciphers must be annexed or added to make up the deficiency, and the decimal point is then suppressed, thus reducing the operation to the division of two whole numbers. If there is no remainder, the quotient is a whole number, if there is a remainder, add a cipher to the right of it and place a decimal point to the right of the quotient obtained, then continue the division as far as desirable by adding ciphers to the right of the successive remainders, for each of which a new decimal will be obtained in the quotient.
Divide 460 by .5.
| .5) 460 (92 |
| 45 |
| — |
| 10 |
| 10 |
| — |
| 0 |
Fractions are reduced to decimals by annexing ciphers to the numerator and then dividing by the denominator.
For instance—5/8 equals what decimal?
| 8) 5.000 (.625 = 5/8 |
| 4 8 |
| — |
| .20 |
| 16 |
| — |
| .40 |
| 40 |
Lessons by Prof. Jean P. Genthon, C.E., Member Society of Municipal Engineers and Author of “The Assistant Engineer,” “The Chief’s” Text Book on Civil Engineering.