"decimal point" vs "decimal character"

Question

"decimal point" vs "decimal character"

Both 'decimal point' and 'decimal character' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Decimal point' is commonly used when referring to the dot (.) used to separate the whole number part from the fractional part in decimal numbers. On the other hand, 'decimal character' is a more general term that can refer to any character used as a decimal separator, including commas in some countries.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'decimal point' when specifically referring to the dot (.) used as a separator in decimal numbers.

Examples:

The answer is 3.14, with the decimal point separating the whole number from the decimal part.
Make sure to place the decimal point in the correct position when working with decimals.

Alternatives:

point before the decimal
decimal separator

Use 'decimal character' when referring to any character used as a decimal separator, not just the dot (.) used in English-speaking countries.

Examples:

In some countries, the comma is used as the decimal character instead of the dot.
Make sure to understand the local conventions for the decimal character when working with international data.

Alternatives:

character for decimals
decimal separator character

Answer 1

decimal point

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the dot (.) used to separate the whole number part from the fractional part in decimal numbers.

Answer 2

decimal character

This phrase is correct and can be used when referring to any character used as a decimal separator, including commas in some countries.

"decimal point" vs "decimal character"

decimal point

decimal character

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