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Decimal Arithmetick.
CHAP. I. Definitions.
A Fraction or broken Number, is a Number less than an Unite, or One; and according to the common way of Fractions, is expressed by two Numbers set one over the other with a small line, thus, ¾; the upper Number is called the Numerator, and the lower the De∣nominator.
The Denominator sheweth into how many parts the Unite or Whole of any thing is to be divided.
The Numerator sheweth how many of these parts are signi∣fied by the Fraction.
A Decimal Number is that which is expressed by an Unite, with a Cipher, or Ciphers, as 10: 100: 1000: 10000: 100000: &c.
A Decimal Fraction is that whose Denominator is a Deci∣mal Number, as 3/10: 46/100: 728/1000: 2342/10000: 57689/100000: &c.
Decimal Fractions, whether they stand alone, or be joined with Integers, have always a Comma, or a small Rectangular Line before them, to distinguish them from Integers, which is therefore called a Separating Line, as ⌊4, ⌊36, ⌊348, 4⌊2, 490⌊086, &c.
As in Integers the Value or Denomination of Places do in∣crease by Tens, from the Unite place towards the left hand: So in Decimals the Value or Denomination of places do de∣crease