Relative Value, Addition, and Subtraction of Decimals Flashcards

Vocabulary based on Chapter 1 of Curren’s Math for Meds regarding decimal values and operations in healthcare dosages.

Whole number

The number to the left of the decimal point; the greater the whole number, the greater the value (e.g., $5.078$ is greater than $4.997$).

Number of Decimal Places

Drug dosages measured as decimal fractions typically do not contain more than three digits, such as $0.025$, and only three decimal places after the decimal point are generally considered.

Leading Zeros

A zero placed in front of the decimal point if a decimal fraction is not preceded by a whole number; it emphasizes that the number is a fraction and prevents overlooking the decimal point.

Tenths

The first decimal place to the right of the decimal point; the fraction with a greater number in this position has a greater value if whole numbers are equal.

Hundredths

The second decimal place to the right of the decimal point; when tenths digits are identical, the fraction with the greater digit in this position has the greater value.

Thousandths

The third digit to the right of the decimal point, used in drug dosage measurements.

Trailing Zeros

Zeros at the end of a decimal fraction that should be eliminated for safety reasons (e.g., converting $4.200$ to $4.2$).

Manual Calculation of Decimals

The process of adding or subtracting decimal fractions by first lining up the decimal points and then calculating from left to right.

Decimal Place Value Pattern

The naming convention where place values after the decimal point end in "th" (e.g., tenths, hundredths, thousandths).

Place Value: Ones or units

The place value immediately to the left of the decimal point.