terminating decimal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialised)Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “terminating decimal” mean?
A decimal number that has a finite number of digits after the decimal point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decimal number that has a finite number of digits after the decimal point.
A rational number expressed in decimal notation that ends, meaning its fractional part can be represented with a finite sequence of digits, often because the denominator in its simplified fraction form has only 2 and/or 5 as prime factors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. Occasionally referred to as a 'finite decimal' in both varieties.
Connotations
Mathematical/neutral in both. No cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in mathematical/educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “terminating decimal” in a Sentence
[Decimal] is (a) terminating (decimal).The fraction results in/yields a terminating decimal.Identify whether the decimal expansion is terminating.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terminating decimal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The division terminates after three decimal places.
- Does the expansion terminate or repeat?
American English
- The decimal terminates after a few digits.
- Check if the fraction terminates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in specific financial calculations involving precise, non-recurring interest or measurement conversions.
Academic
Primary context. Used in mathematics textbooks, curricula, and exams, especially in topics on rational numbers and decimal expansions.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by a student or parent discussing homework.
Technical
Core term in mathematics, computer science (floating-point number representation), and engineering where exact decimal representation matters.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terminating decimal”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “terminating decimal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terminating decimal”
- Confusing 'terminating' with 'repeating' or 'recurring'.
- Incorrectly stating that all decimals terminate.
- Mispronouncing 'terminating' as /ˈtɜː.mɪ.næt.ɪŋ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. A terminating decimal can always be expressed as a fraction with a denominator that is a power of 10, making it a rational number by definition.
A terminating decimal has a finite number of digits after the decimal point (e.g., 0.25). A repeating decimal has an infinite number of digits, but a specific block of digits repeats endlessly (e.g., 0.333... or 0.142857142857...).
Simplify the fraction completely. If the denominator (the bottom number) of this simplified fraction has only the prime factors 2 and/or 5, it will be a terminating decimal when converted. For example, 1/8 (denominator 8 = 2³) terminates as 0.125.
No. 'Terminating' is an inherent property of the exact number's decimal expansion. 'Rounded' means an infinite or long decimal has been deliberately shortened to a specific number of digits for convenience, which changes the value slightly.
A decimal number that has a finite number of digits after the decimal point.
Terminating decimal is usually technical, academic in register.
Terminating decimal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜː.mɪ.neɪ.tɪŋ ˈdes.ɪ.məl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɝː.mə.neɪ.t̬ɪŋ ˈdes.ə.məl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bus that TERMINATES at a final stop. A terminating decimal reaches its final digit and stops.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE JOURNEYS (a terminating journey has a clear end point).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a characteristic of a terminating decimal?